Job Descriptions:
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.
Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.
At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Materials Program Manager (MPM) is responsible for managing Purchasing activities for assigned programs, including strategic product and supplier strategies. The MPM manages the relationships between the program office(s) and the procurement organization.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Materials Program Manager. Each level of Materials Program Manager has additional duties and responsibilities listed.
Materials Program Manager II
- Leads the critical path of product bill of materials and program timelines associated with new product launches while overseeing the existing program supply chains.
- As the Cost Account Manager (CAM) for Purchasing, on assigned program(s), ensures compliance to cost, schedule and quality requirements for materials and services on assigned programs. Provides reports and recovery plans for non-compliant activities. Provides Written Variance Analysis in accordance with any Earned Value Reporting Requirements.
- Understands and communicates Program requirements and Program goals/objective to Buyers.
- Uses Lean / Six Sigma and critical thinking skills to propose sound and innovative business solutions to increase operational efficiencies to ensure business area and program success.
- Analyzes quotes from different suppliers and supports the negotiation for best price and delivery schedule to meet program plan.
- Responsible for updating and maintaining the Costed Bill of Material (CBOM) on assigned programs.
- Responsible for overall product cost savings objectives on assigned programs.
- Owns development of critical parts list, approved supplier control, and end of life component identification in the development phase.
- Coordinates material make/buy strategies with Manufacturing Engineering.
- Coordinates with Chief Engineer to ensure Bill of Material component list completeness and material readiness throughout the development processes.
- Develops and owns schedules related to material readiness for product as well as schedules of achieving product cost targets.
- Owns budget (capital and expense) tracking of costs related to meeting material readiness dates.
- Completes supplier benchmarking initiatives as required, ensuring competitive pricing in place.
- Participates in supplier quality audits for conformance to company requirements.
- Ensures obsolescence issues and other changes (e.g., ECN/ECP) for key/critical suppliers are promptly and satisfactorily addressed to meet Program needs, keeping a broad focus on the goals of the Company’s strategic Supply Chain objectives.
- Proactively identifies material-related risks that may inhibit program execution. Supports development and implementation of risk mitigation plans/strategies.
- Promptly Notify PMO of any material obsolescence and any supplier disruptions (Closing, moving locations, etc.).
- Represents Purchasing at proposal reviews, EAC reviews, and program reviews. During proposal activities, develops Purchasing Basis of Estimates (BOE’s).
- Coordinates proposal requirements from the Business Development/Programs departments to develop a comprehensive acquisition strategy to support customer RFPs.
- Participates in the preparation of supplier performance reviews. May communicate need for Supplier improvement, and progress on improvement to Procurement Manager and Buyers.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
None
Required Experience:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Required:
- Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
- Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
- Ability to interact appropriately with the public, suppliers, and customers as necessary.
- Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
- Ability to effectively communicate professionally, in writing or verbally, with all levels of personnel.
- Ability to adjust priorities and manage time wisely in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to organize workload to assure that short timelines are met while having frequent interruptions; and to effectively problem solve from an institutional perspective.
- Ability to analyze data, business and program strategies, and other information to reach accurate conclusions.
- Ability to think analytically and produce accurate analysis, while applying good judgment to conduct assigned responsibilities accurately and effectively.
- Demonstrated knowledge of supply chain processes and related systems subcontract management, logistics, and asset management.
- Strong project management skills, including the ability to convert Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) project schedule activities and tasking into executable discrete supply chain tasks.
- Demonstrated history in cost reduction and bidding techniques to maximize value.
- Proven abilities to negotiate with suppliers.
- Demonstrated knowledge the teaming agreement process.
- Thorough knowledge of purchasing techniques including strategic supplier concepts.
- Strong problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Strong negotiation skills and the ability to drive solutions through an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
- Ability to convert business area and customer requirements into executable strategies.
- Excellent risk management methodologies and problem-solving techniques.
- Working knowledge of customer flow through requirements such as FAR/DFARS, ITAR, offset, FCPA, quality and warranty clauses.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and MS Project).
- Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
Preferred:
- Lean/Six Sigma Certification (Green or Black Belt).
- Subcontracts Management, minimum of 3 years of direct experience.
- Earned Value Management Systems experience.
- Familiarity with CINCOM is desirable.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Required:
The education and experience listed below apply to and build upon all successive levels of Materials Program Manager.
Materials Program Manager II
- 5-7 years’ experience in Supplier Management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience developing and managing program budgets.
- Experience managing proposal Purchasing activities.
- Knowledge required of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
Preferred:
- Materials Program Manager Certification preferable.
- Market knowledge of, and experience with, Aerospace and Defense industry.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Primarily works in an office environment. May infrequently conduct work or attend/hold meeting in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to sit for long periods of time.
- Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, writing, phones).
- May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- Up to 25% may be required to travel domestically.
Keyword: Materials Program Manager
Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Disability Accessibility Accommodation
If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.
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The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.
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From: Kratos Defense