Supply Chain Category Manager - Machining

Strategic Supply Chain Category LeaderEBAD is seeking a Strategic Supply Chain Category Leader to drive sourcing excellence within our machining category. This role is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that maximize business value through strong supplier partnershipsensuring reliable capacity, superior quality, cost optimization, and exceptional responsiveness. The leader will collaborate cross-functionally to align sourcing strategies with business needs, oversee supplier selection and transitions, manage commercial relationships, and ensure full compliance with aerospace and defense regulations.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a comprehensive category strategy for machining (CNC, precision machining, complex metals, exotic materials)Define sourcing approaches including make vs. buy, supplier consolidation, and dual sourcing strategiesBuild should-cost models and benchmark pricing across suppliers and regionsAlign category strategy with engineering, manufacturing, and program requirementsConduct market research: Monitor industry trends and gather market intelligence to inform category strategies and feed program management and engineering.Continuous improvement: Supports devising and implementing EBOS improvement strategies to processes, procedures and project flow in Supply Chain, including supplier kaizens and strategic supplier business reviews.Maximize value: Drive supplier sustainability, small business sourcing, and supplier innovation as part of Category strategies.Identify, qualify, and onboard machining suppliers with capabilities in aerospace-grade materials (e.g., titanium, Inconel, aluminum alloys)Drive supplier performance across key metrics: OTD, quality (PPM), lead time, and cost competitivenessLead supplier quarterly reviews (SQRs) and performance improvement initiatives, and manage strategic supplier relationships: Foster strong partnershipsPartner with suppliers on capacity planning, process improvements, and risk mitigationCollaborate closely with engineering on design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and cost optimizationCollaborate with Engineering and Supplier Development engineering in the evaluation of supplier technical capabilities including multi-axis CNC, tight-tolerance machining, and special processesSupport new product introduction (NPI) by ensuring supplier readiness and capability alignmentReview technical drawings, specifications, and tolerance requirements to inform sourcing decisionsDevelop & Implement Category Strategies: Create strategies to optimize cost and improve operations aligning with best practices.Develop & manage contracts: Create and execute contracts that support category strategies and business requirements (e.g., LTAs, LOIs, MOUs, SMIs); Executes strategic agreements vs daily PO needs handled by Buyers.Implement cost reduction initiatives through value engineering, process optimization, and global sourcingUtilize clean-sheet and should-cost modeling to validate supplier pricingIdentify and mitigate supply chain risks including single-source dependencies, geopolitical exposure, and capacity constraintsEnsure compliance with aerospace and defense regulations (ITAR, FAR/DFARS, AS9100)Support audits and ensure suppliers meet all quality and regulatory requirementsLeverage data analytics to drive sourcing decisions and category insightsUtilize ERP/MRP and supplier management tools to monitor performance and forecast demandAnalyze spend data: Utilize data analytics to identify cost-savings opportunities and inform sourcing decisions.Partner with supply chain analytics teams to integrate machining category into PFEP and SIOP frameworksCollaborate with the development of dashboards for category performance and risk anticipationUnderstands financial analyses, sets annual pricing with finance, drives positive Purchase Price Variance (PPV), delivers on payment terms goals, helps resolve invoice issues as needed by exception.Act as the primary point of contact for machining category across procurement, engineering, quality, and operationsLead cross-functional initiatives to improve supply chain resilience and scalabilityMentor buyers and analysts supporting the machining categoryQualificationsBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field712+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, with strong focus on machining or precision manufacturingDeep understanding of machining processes, materials, and tolerances in aerospace applicationsProven experience negotiating complex supplier agreements and managing global supply basesStrong analytical and financial acumen (cost modeling, TCO analysis)Preferred QualificationsExperience in aerospace/defense environments such as vehicle launching, and separation systems, satellites, space, missiles, etc.Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems and special process requirementsExperience with should-cost modeling tools and advanced analytics (Excel, SQL, Power BI) is a plus.Lean/Six Sigma certificationMBA or advanced engineering degreeTravel Requirements30-50% travel to suppliers and plant locationsLocation: Moorpark California or Simsbury, CTCompensation:Salary Range: $150,000 - $190,000 per year. Salary is determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and alignment with market data.Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.