Principal Supplier Program Manager

Saab

. Lead a small team of Supplier Program Managers supporting Autonomous Underwater Systems (AUS) .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeCranston • Rhode Island • United StatesLead💰 $165,500 - $215,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive experience in supply chain management within the aerospace and defense industry, with a strong focus on supplier performance, procurement processes, and team leadership. Capable of developing supplier relationships and managing production schedules while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Supply Chain ManagementSupplier Performance ManagementIntegrated Master Schedule (IMS)Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)Aerospace and Defense Industry Experience

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Supplier Performance MonitoringProcurement Process UnderstandingCost Reasonableness AnalysisStatements of Work (SoWs) DevelopmentMaterial ForecastingContracting MethodsRisk Metrics TrackingQuality ManagementContinuous ImprovementEarned Value Management Systems (EVMS)

Soft Skills

Analytical ThinkingProblem-SolvingStrong CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsLeadership

Tools & Technologies

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System

Certifications & Qualifications

Black Belt CertificationGreen Belt Certification

Industry Keywords

AerospaceDefenseSupplier Program ManagementU.S. GovernmentDepartment of Defense (DoD)

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead a small team of Supplier Program Managers supporting Autonomous Underwater Systems (AUS)
Manage supplier performance to control costs, improve schedules, and resolve quality challenges
Lead collaborative efforts to improve or standardize supply chain management processes
Assist with transition of supply chain execution responsibility to Saab, Inc. from a Saab affiliate
Facilitate development of Statements of Work for transition-of-technology programs, service vendors, or developmental hardware
Monitor supplier performance against Purchase Orders and Statements of Work
Develop supplier relationships to ensure schedule, scope, and cost requirements are met
Prepare and deliver quarterly internal management reviews
Coordinate weekly teleconferences reviewing purchase orders, material schedules, and anticipated deliveries
Track and report supplier on-time delivery, cost, and risk metrics
Develop and update material forecasts supporting timely recognition of forecasted revenue commitments
Provide weekly updates to Supply Chain leadership on accomplishments, milestones, actions, and risks
Lead or participate in material cost and labor input efforts for proposals
Lead Quarterly Business Reviews with critical suppliers
Manage supplier production schedules against the Integrated Master Schedule
Escalate critical-path supplier issues and potential solutions to program and Supply Chain leadership
Travel between the Cranston and Bristol facilities as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

BA/BS degree with 12+ years of relevant experience or an MBA/MS/JD degree with 8+ years of experience
Supply chain experience within the aerospace or defense industry
Demonstrated ability to lead a small team of employees
Experience managing supplier performance against Purchase Orders, Statements of Work (SoWs), or an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)
Comprehensive understanding of the procurement process, including sourcing, qualifying suppliers, placing orders, tracking on-time deliveries, and expediting
Experience navigating an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system
Experience with contracting methods and types
Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply sound judgment and creativity
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Financial acumen, including the ability to determine cost reasonableness
Ability to travel domestically up to 10% in support of program and business development efforts
Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance, if required
Must be a U.S. citizen
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen
Preferred: 5+ years of experience in a production and/or development environment, preferably within the aerospace and defense industry
Preferred: Experience with the U.S. Government (USG) or Department of Defense (DoD)
Preferred: Cross-functional experience working with Quality, Engineering, Finance, Manufacturing, and Program Management
Preferred: Continuous improvement experience, including Black Belt or Green Belt certification
Preferred: Understanding of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
Preferred: Experience interacting with programs and reporting to business leadership

Benefits

Comp & perks

Professional growth opportunities
Competitive wages
Work-life balance
Business casual atmosphere
Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
401(k) with employer contributions
Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
Wellness and employee assistance resources
Employee stock purchase opportunities
Short-term and long-term disability coverage