Director, Supply Chain - Purchasing

At SCI Technology, a Sanmina Company, we serve those who serve by delivering innovative, trusted and comprehensive products and services that meet and exceed the unique needs of the Defense and Aerospace sector. From avionics to tactical and airborne communications, counter-UAS, integrated manufacturing and cradle-to-grave product life cycle support, we deliver high-reliability solutions that keep service members connected and protected in the field.

Our heritage dates to 1961, as an early supplier to the space program in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, SCI offers a complete range of Defense & Aerospace solutions through our three business segments - Products, Systems Build, and Life Cycle Services. It's SCI summed up - ALL WE DO to serve those who serve.

At this time, SCI is recruiting highly qualified candidates whose background and career goals meet our needs for the following position in Huntsville, AL. Please note that due to Department of Defense contract requirements, U.S. CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED.

Director of Supply Chain - Purchasing

Job Purpose

The Director of Supply Chain Purchasing is responsible for leading, designing, and executingthe procurement and operational sourcing strategy across the division's manufacturing andservice sites. This role owns supplier relationship management, material cost-out initiatives(PPV), and supplier contract negotiations to maximize profitability and operational continuity.

The ideal candidate will effectively bridge the gap between corporate global sourcingframeworks and localized site execution, ensuring that component availability meets productiontimelines at the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while proactively mitigating electroniccomponent supply-chain risks.

Nature of Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Optimization

* Procurement Strategy: Establish and execute a comprehensive divisional purchasingstrategy that aligns with corporate guidelines to drive cost optimization and supplyresilience.

* Material Cost Reduction (PPV): Drive aggressive cost-reduction programs, identifyingopportunities for Purchase Price Variance (PPV) gains, material substitutions, andvolume bundling.

* Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Evaluate and negotiate regional and local suppliercontracts, including payment terms, lead times, buffer stocks, and pricing models toimprove cash flow and reduce working capital.

Supplier Relationship & Risk Management

* Supplier Governance: Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and scorecards forstrategic vendors, tracking delivery performance, component quality, and continuousimprovement metrics.

* Supply Continuity & Risk Mitigation: Monitor global electronic component marketconditions, technology allocations, and lead-time trends. Formulate proactive risk-mitigation plans for single-source or critical components.

* Strategic Alliances: In collaboration with corporate sourcing, implement and manageadvanced inventory programs such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), consignment,and hubbing structures.

Operational Purchasing & Execution

* MRP Alignment: Oversee the tactical execution of buy signals generated by MaterialRequirements Planning (MRP) systems, ensuring data integrity around lead times,minimum order quantities (MOQs), and pricing.

* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with New Product Introduction (NPI),Planning, Engineering, and Quality teams to smoothly onboard new programs, transitioncomponents, and resolve supplier-quality issues (SCARs).

* Escalation Management: Serve as the final divisional escalation point for critical materialshortages, leveraging executive supplier relationships to expedite component deliveryand prevent factory downtime.

Team Leadership & Process Optimization

* Talent Development: Manage, mentor, and build a high-performing team of PurchasingManagers, Procurement Specialists, and Strategic Buyers across divisional sites.

* Process Standardization: Standardize and automate purchasing workflows (e.g.,electronic data interchange/EDI systems, automated PO workflows) to drive operationalefficiency and strict compliance with corporate governance.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education & Certifications

* Required: Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement/Purchasing,Business Administration, or an Engineering/Technical discipline.

* Preferred: MBA or advanced degree; ASCM/APICS certifications (CSCP, CPIM) orCPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) are highly valued.

Experience

* EMS Industry Expertise: 8+ years of progressive electronics procurement or purchasingexperience specifically within the EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services), ContractManufacturing, or high-tech ODM sectors.

* Leadership Track Record: 3+ years of experience leading multi-site procurement orsourcing teams in a matrixed organization.

* Component Market Knowledge: Deep, specialized familiarity with the global electroniccomponent market ecosystem (semiconductors, passives, PCBs, customplastics/metals) and franchised distribution channels.

Skills & Competencies

* Advanced Negotiation: Proven track record of high-stakes contract negotiations andcommercial settlements with Tier-1 component manufacturers and distributors.

* ERP/MRP Fluency: Expert-level understanding of material planning and purchasingworkflows within major ERP architectures (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

* Financial Acumen: Strong proficiency in P&L structures, cost accounting, spendanalytics, and cost modeling (should-cost analysis).

* Agility & Impact: Highly analytical problem-solver who thrives under a high sense ofurgency, capable of maintaining composure and driving rapid results during supply-chaincrises.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

This is an ITAR facility and applicants must be a US Citizen.