Director of International Supply Chain

Job SummaryThe Director of International Supply Chain will establish and lead the strategic direction and execution of a robust International Supply Chain Program critical for our defense contracts. This role is responsible for improving the technical capabilities, quality, delivery, and cost-competitiveness of our supply base to meet the stringent requirements of defense programs, including adherence to ITAR, FAR, DFARS, and DoD regulations. The Director will drive a culture of continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and strong supplier partnership within the supply chain organization.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategy and Program Leadership§ Lead the development and implementation of international supply chain strategies, goals, and metrics (KPIs) aligned with company growth, program needs, and long-term defense industry requirements.§ Manage the identification, assessment, and prioritization of strategic and critical suppliers for development based on risk, performance gaps, and future needs.§ Establish and maintain a strong partnership with the Supplier Quality and Supplier Development Programs to execute Supply Development initiatives and the Supplier Quality Management System (SQMS). Ensure supplier adherence to standards and defense-specific quality and security protocols.Supplier Performance and Improvement§ Direct a team of supply chain professionals to execute development plans, including on-site assessments, process audits, and remediation activities.§ Drive significant, measurable improvements in On-Time Delivery (OTD), Quality, manufacturing yields, and lead-time reduction across the supply base.§ Introduce and implement best-practice Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and advanced quality planning (APQP) methodologies at supplier facilities.§ Manage the qualification and validation process for new suppliers and new product introduction (NPI) processes within existing suppliers.§ Coordinate the FMD program overseeing the development, review, and prioritization of all enterprise requests for supplier development funding.Technical and Compliance Oversight§ Ensure strict supplier compliance with all relevant government regulations, including but not limited to FAR (Federal Acquisitions Regulation), DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement), ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) readiness, and anti-corruption laws.§ Collaborate with Engineering to define critical-to-quality (CTQ) features and ensure supplier capabilities meet complex defense specifications and technological roadmaps.§ Lead efforts in supply chain risk mitigation, focusing on single/sole source vulnerabilities, geopolitical risks, and raw material dependency.Team Management & Stakeholder Collaboration§ Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing Supplier Development team.§ Act as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders (e.g., Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Production) and external suppliers on strategic development initiatives.§ Manage the budget and resources for all supplier development activities.Required Qualifications§ Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial), Supply Chain Management, or a related field. A master’s degree or MBA is a plus.§ Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in Supply Chain, Supplier Quality, or Manufacturing Engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing supplier development in the Defense, Aerospace, or highly regulated industry.§ Technical Expertise: Supplier healthy and performance standards, applicable technical requires for FMD products and materials, Lean principles, and Six Sigma methodology (Black Belt or Green Belt certification highly desirable).§ Defense Compliance: Deep understanding of U.S. defense contracting regulations (e.g., DFARS, ITAR, FAR), government organizations, prime contractors, and security requirements.§ Clearance: Currently hold or ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Security Clearance (Secret or higher preferred).§ Travel: Ability to travel up to 40% domestically and internationally to supplier sites.Key Competencies§ Strategic thinking and business acumen.§ Exceptional project and program management skills.§ Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.§ Excellent negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.§ Proven leadership ability to influence and manage change across different organizations and cultures.§ Understanding of and commitment to FMD Core Values: Integrity, Velocity, and Teamwork.