Job ID: 3332855Employment Type: Full-timeRelocation Assistance Available - YesCompany: Our Award Winning Client

Lead Material Program Manager

Location: Northampton, Massachusetts, United StatesIndustry: Aerospace / Aviation / DefenseCategory: Materials Management – Supply Chain

Our Award Winning Client, a nationally operating and multiple award-winning organization in the aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors, is seeking a seasoned Lead Material Program Manager (MPM) to drive vital initiatives within their Maritime Imaging Systems division. The successful candidate will leverage extensive expertise in Supply Chain, Program, or Product Management to lead a multidisciplinary team in developing and executing a resilient supply chain strategy across core programs and products. This role requires comprehensive technical proficiency—including hands-on experience with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, Earned Value Management, and key program management reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PRR)—as well as exceptional skills in risk and opportunity management, cost control, schedule adherence, and regulatory compliance throughout the complete product lifecycle.

Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Execution: Formulate and implement innovative supply chain actions and tailored practices, ensuring early engineering design phases transition seamlessly into full product lifecycle execution.

• Milestone & Budget Oversight: Drive the on-time completion of all material and subcontract milestones while managing program budgets and enhancing financial performance.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the central point of communication and coordination between Supply Chain, Program/Product Offices, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Operations.

• Technical & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all projects adhere to internal and external laws, standards, and regulations, including FAR, DFARS, and ITAR, while incorporating advanced project management techniques.

• Performance Analysis: Evaluate key performance indicators to identify challenges, optimize supplier and customer delivery, and champion continuous improvement initiatives.

• Supplier & Subcontract Management: Oversee and manage supplier performance, lead supplier recovery strategies, and ensure effective communication of customer flow down requirements throughout the supply base.

• Risk Management: Develop supply chain estimates using risk and opportunity assessments (Best Case, Most Likely, and Worst Case scenarios) to support ETC’s and new business captures.

• Financial Coordination: Collaborate with Program Finance to roll up quarterly financial statuses against established benchmarks such as AOP, Short-Term Forecast, EAC, and ETC.

• Team Leadership: Lead through influence within a matrixed organization, breaking down large, complex issues into manageable solutions while acting as a Subject Matter Expert in Supply Chain and Programmatic Practices.

Essential Qualifications & Technical Skills

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience or a Graduate Degree with at least 7 years in a similar role.

• Demonstrated expertise in supply chain and program management execution over the complete product lifecycle.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with executive leadership.

• Proven experience in new business proposals and capture strategies in both competitive and sole source scenarios.

• Solid background in subcontractor management across all development stages leading to production.

• Proficiency in breaking down complex challenges into strategic action plans.

• Direct experience with Earned Value Management and control account management.

• In-depth knowledge and application of government acquisition regulations including FAR, DFARS, and ITAR.

• Preferred credentials include PMP Certification, an advanced degree, and expertise in drafting technical statements of work.

Candidate Profile

• 7 to 10 years of experience in supply chain or program management.

• Bachelor’s degree is required; possession of an advanced degree is a significant advantage.

• Experience at a mid-to-senior level with demonstrated leadership and management capabilities (direct or influential).

• Background in managing subcontractors and overseeing supplier performance in highly regulated industries such as defense or aerospace.

• Occasional travel willingness is required as part of the role.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive health benefits package.

• Attractive opportunities for professional development.

• Retirement savings plans.

• A supportive and collaborative work environment in which you contribute to nationally recognized projects.

• Paid relocation assistance.

Job ID: 3332855

Note: Resumes will be maintained in strict confidentiality until such time as we engage in a detailed discussion regarding a specific opportunity, and both parties mutually agree to proceed. We consistently receive new opportunities every day. Should your professional background closely align with the specific requirements of our client, we will promptly reach out to you to initiate further exploration of potential opportunities.