Supplier Manager

Position Purpose 

The MEC (Mechanical Engineered Components) commodity is responsible for managing the supply base for a wide range of mechanical commodities for Woodward on a global basis. The position being filled is for a Supplier Manager to be responsible for the management of key sub-commodities supporting the Rockford site, other North American sites, as well as all global operations. The position will be located in Rockford, Illinois and will focus on complex supplier relationships requiring a high experience level of supplier relationship development and commercial management expertise. Experience managing Aircraft mechanical component suppliers is desirable.
Essential Functions 



Commodity Supplier ManagerResponsible for on-going identification, development, management and execution of commodity and sub commodity strategic plans. Specific understanding/experience of manufacturing processes in servo valves, LVDT's, bellows, solenoids and bearings is a plus.Links strategies across all Woodward businesses/geographic locations to leverage spend and streamline the overall supply base.Develop, implement and manage "Grow, Maintain and Consolidate" supplier strategy and identify supplier capability gaps in the sub commodity.Lead and manage supplier contract/LTA status, including next negotiation schedule and strategy.Identify, develop and execute projects designed to improve Quality, Delivery, Responsiveness and Cost (QDRC), based on alignment with corporate objectives and strategies including mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and manufacturing.Track, analyze and communicate market trends and forecast on commodity impacts to Woodward products/markets.Facilitate communication with business specific supplier managers and engineering teams to gain information and understand current operation needs and Woodward design issues.Support Center of Excellence (CoE) purchasing teams as required to ensure business needs are met.Lead cross functional teams working on multiple, complex projects (cross locations, cross geographic areas) to improve supply base operations.
Other Functions Demonstrated experience working with global sourcing team and suppliers on project transitions and on-going global sourcing activities. Demonstrated experience working with sourcing teams in multiple locations. Works with other peers and sourcing teams remotely. Travels to assigned suppliers as necessary (domestic and international). Leads and supports the development and execution of One Woodward processes and procedures. Leads and supports Continuous Improvement (CI) activities as required. Advises management of market conditions and supplier-based activities which could affect pricing and/or deliveries. Provides mentoring to other members as requested/required. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to implement Woodward standard processes, standards of business conduct, and contracts in conformance with UCC, other legal principles, and company policies. Ability to identify and respond to supplier-related impacts on capacity, value-chain management, logistics, total cost of ownership, etc. (strategic sourcing) Detailed understanding/experience of manufacturing processes in one or more commodities. Experience managing mechanical based commodities. Experience managing servo valve, solenoid, bellows or LVDT suppliers a plus. Demonstrated ability to develop, negotiate and manage complex supplier agreements. Demonstrated ability to develop contract negotiation strategies including engineering, marketing, sales and operations as needed and to then lead the negotiation process. Demonstrated ability to develop commodity strategies spanning all Woodward sites that include engineering, marketing, sales and operations input.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Demonstrated procurement problem solving, negotiating, and contracts management experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills; including presentations and public speakingStrong use of electronic tools; including MS-office programs, MRP/ERP systems (WISE and APEXON)Demonstrated Project Management skillsStrategic Thinking, Planning and Execution Hands-on expertise in purchasing (buyer, purchasing manager, etc.) with experience in multiple mechanical components, procurement?preferred.Leads people and teams, builds and maintains effective working relationships.Effectiveness interpersonal skills and proven ability to interface with operations management, both internal and external, across domestic and international functions and organizations.Leads change and drives results within organizations, both internal, and external across domestic and international functions and organizations.Expert ability to plan, organize and implement supply base projects (rationalization, supply base change, etc.). Demonstrated ability to work with materials management teammates (buyers, planners, etc.) Demonstrated expertise in specific sourcing area (NPI, commodity or CoE)Demonstrated knowledge and participation in Six Sigma activities, including participation in Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and other continuous improvement activities.Detailed understanding/experience of manufacturing processes preferred.
Education/Formal Training BA/BS in Materials and Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced degree in applicable discipline preferred. APICS certification desired.
Experience Typically 7-10 years of experience in Supply Chain Management, Purchasing Management, or Engineering Management in a manufacturing environment.