Job Descriptions:
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for end-to-end supply chain execution at Technical Directions Inc., including sourcing, procurement, material planning, inventory control, logistics, supplier quality coordination, and delivery performance. This role ensures material, components, and services are available on time, in the correct configuration, at the right cost, to support Engineering, Assembly, Test, and Program execution.
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Supply Chain Manager serves as the single point of accountability for supply chain readiness, integrating demand signals from Programs and Operations with supplier execution and internal material flow.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Supply Chain Strategy & Execution
Own execution of supply chain activities supporting engineering, assembly, production, test, and program delivery
Translate operational and program demand into executable supply chain plans
Balance cost, schedule, risk, and quality in daily supply chain decisions
Serve as escalation owner for material, supplier, and logistics constraints
Procurement, Sourcing & Supplier Management
Lead procurement and sourcing activities in accordance with approved strategies and policies
Oversee Buyers and ensure disciplined purchase-order execution
Manage supplier performance related to delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness
Lead supplier issue resolution, recovery plans, and corrective actions
Support supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing performance management
Material Planning, Inventory & Kitting Oversight
Own material planning, inventory accuracy, and kitting readiness
Ensure MRP signals translate into material availability aligned to build schedules
Oversee MP&L & Kitting execution, inventory control, and traceability
Drive resolution of shortages, excess, and inventory discrepancies
Operations, Engineering & Program Integration
Partner with Manufacturing to ensure material readiness supports Assembly & Test execution
Coordinate with Engineering and Configuration Management on material impacts of design changes
Support Program Management with material status, risk, and recovery actions
Ensure supply chain execution aligns with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and MPS
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure supply chain activities comply with AS9100D, QMS, and internal procedures
Partner with Quality on supplier quality issues, SCARs, audits, and corrective actions
Ensure proper flow-down of quality, contractual, and regulatory requirements
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks proactively
Cost Control & Financial Alignment
Support cost control through disciplined procurement and inventory management
Partner with Cost Analyst on material cost visibility, variance analysis, and cost risk
Ensure purchasing and inventory decisions support margin and financial objectives
Support make/buy decisions and cost trade studies
Logistics, Shipping & Receiving Coordination
Oversee inbound and outbound logistics, shipping, and receiving activities
Ensure compliance with ITAR, export controls, and shipping documentation requirements
Maintain material traceability and receiving accuracy in MRP systems
Metrics, Reporting & Operating Discipline
Own and report supply chain performance metrics (OTD, shortages, inventory accuracy, supplier performance)
Participate in Daily/Weekly Operations Reviews and Monthly Operating Reviews (MORs)
Provide clear, timely status and escalation to the Director of Operations
Drive corrective actions to close performance gaps
Continuous Improvement & Process Discipline
Follow established procurement procedures, work instructions, and controls
Identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency, data accuracy, and supplier responsiveness
Reinforce disciplined execution aligned with Supply Chain standards
Team Leadership & Capability Development
Lead and develop supply chain personnel including Buyers, MP&L & Kitting, and logistics staff
Establish clear roles, expectations, and accountability
Support training, cross-training, and succession planning
Reinforce disciplined execution and continuous improvement of culture
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Direct leadership over Buyers, MP&L & Kitting, Shipping & Receiving and other supply chain staff
Responsible for daily task prioritization, staffing, and execution discipline
Required Experience:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Required
Strong understanding of supply chain operations, procurement, and material planning
Experience leading supply chain execution in regulated manufacturing environments
Working knowledge of AS9100D, configuration control, and supplier quality requirements
Ability to interpret engineering BOMs, schedules, and production plans
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)
Preferred
Experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or turbomachinery manufacturing
Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Costpoint preferred)
Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume production environments
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or related discipline (Equivalent experience may be considered)
10+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or material management
3+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
Preferred
Experience supporting government or defense customers
Experience scaling supply chain capability in growth environments
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Office, warehouse, and manufacturing environments
Frequent interaction with shop floor, inventory, and suppliers
May require extended hours during shortages, recovery efforts, or production surges
Ability to walk, stand, and perform on-site assessments
May be required to lift materials, components, or packages up to 40 lbs
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
0-20% as required to support suppliers, audits, customer visits, or other Kratos locations
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.
A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.
EEO/M/F/D/V
LI-Onsite
Keyword: supply chain management, procurement, sourcing, material planning, inventory control, logistics, supplier management, AS9100D, MRP, ERP, cost control, risk mitigation, aerospace, leadership
Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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From: Kratos Defense
