Job Description

Job Description

See what you’re missing. Our employees work on the world’s most advanced electronics –from detecting threats for fighter pilots to illuminating the night for soldiers. Spanning air, land, sea, and space, we are developing the technology of tomorrow, delivered today. Drawing strength from our differences, we’re innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first –exemplified by our mission: “We Protect Those Who Protect Us®.” Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.

The Director of Supplier Excellence & Strategic Operations is a key leadership role responsible for the operational execution of the Supplier Assessment Program and the long-range strategic planning of supplier performance. Leveraging a "Business Excellence" approach, this role drives sustainable, superior results for stakeholders through the continuous improvement, innovation, and strategic alignment of processes, people, and technology. By transforming raw assessment data into actionable excellence and utilizing a holistic, customer-centric view, this role mitigates disruptions to production and ensures the long-term supply chain resilience and operational success required to meet BAE Systems' most critical missions.

Key Responsibilities
1. Business Excellence Execution & Supplier Engagement

• Operationalize Excellence: Apply the Business Excellence framework to supplier interactions, moving beyond basic compliance to drive sustainable, superior results for stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement (CI): Implement ongoing optimization of supplier processes to enhance supplier quality, capacity and delivery speed.
• Stakeholder Value: Prioritize the needs of internal program teams (the "customer") to ensure supplier improvements directly translate into increased production ramp success.

2. Assessment Implementation & Data Application

• Direct Execution: Oversee the deployment of industrial engineering SMEs to conduct in-depth assessments of capacity, capability, and quality.
• Root Cause Analysis: Utilize data-driven analysis to identify systemic constraints within the supply base and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies.

3. Digital Twin Integration & Data Management

• Data Requirement Definition: Work closely with the Digital Twin development team to define data requirements and ensure seamless data flow from supplier assessments.
• Algorithm Contribution: Contribute to the development of algorithms and risk profiles based on collected supplier data, directly informing predictive analytics for the munition ramps.
• Insight Leverage: Identify opportunities to leverage Digital Twin insights to enhance supplier assessment processes and improve supply chain resilience.
• Auditability & Transparency: Maintain documentation on data mapping and integration processes for auditability and transparency.

4. Supplier Improvement & Performance Management

• Knowledge Transfer: Facilitate workshops and training sessions with suppliers to transfer BAE Systems' best practices in manufacturing and quality.
• KPI Tracking: Monitor supplier performance against Business Excellence milestones, tracking improvements in operational efficiency, quality, and financial stability.

5. Team Leadership & Collaboration

• SME Management: Lead and mentor a team of functional SMEs and Industrial Engineers, ensuring their efforts are aligned with program priorities.

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Required Skills and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. 
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Supply Chain Management, Supplier Quality, or Operational Excellence.
• Proven track record of implementing Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies to drive organizational or supplier performance.
• Experience leading teams through complex, large-scale manufacturing production ramps, preferably within the Aerospace & Defense or Munitions industry.
• Experience with data analytics tools (Tableau, Power BI) to drive decision-making.
• Business Excellence Mindset: Ability to apply a holistic, strategic approach to process improvement rather than just tactical fixes.
• Analytical Rigor: Expert-level ability to translate complex data sets into actionable execution plans.
• Program Management: Proficiency in managing multiple concurrent supplier improvement projects under tight deadlines.

Preferred Skills and Education

• 12 plus years experience in an Aerospace and Defense manufacturing environment
• Certification in Supply Chain Management (APICS, CSCP) or Program Management (PMP)
• Proficiency in supply chain management software and systems
• Expert level understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
• Existing Secret or Top Secret clearance

Typical Education and Experience

Typically a Bachelor's Degree and 12 years work experience or equivalent experience