Director of Supply Chain

About Barber-Nichols

Barber-Nichols is a leading provider specializing in customized turbomachinery solutions serving sectors such as Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics, and Energy. The company collaborates with top-tier customers delivering technologies that push their markets forward while nurturing long-lasting partnerships. Noteworthy projects include the blower design for NASA's Dragonfly mission and components for the U.S. Navy's MK-48 program. Barber-Nichols values innovation, professional growth, and achievement within a results-oriented culture.

Position Overview

The Director of Supply Chain spearheads the strategic leadership of the supply chain department comprising sourcing, procurement, supplier quality and development, and supply chain systems. The role focuses on building a robust, adaptable supply chain capable of supporting technology development phases—from prototype to full-rate aerospace, defense, space, and energy production.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement the company-wide supply chain strategy aligned with overall corporate goals.
• Define and monitor performance indicators such as cost, quality, delivery, inventory, and supplier effectiveness.
• Lead talent development initiatives including coaching, succession planning, to build a high-performing team.
• Manage enterprise risk and business continuity within the supply chain function.
• Drive continual process improvements using Lean methodologies, standardization, and digital modernization.
• Partner with executives on planning growth, capacity, and capital investments.
• Foster a culture grounded in accountability, ethics, teamwork, and ongoing enhancement.
• Develop sourcing strategies optimizing cost, quality, technical skills, schedule, and risk.
• Establish and nurture executive-level supplier relationships to enhance capacity and competitiveness.
• Lead initiatives improving supplier quality, responsiveness, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Implement dual and alternate sourcing strategies for critical components.
• Identify value engineering and cost reduction opportunities working with Engineering and Operations teams.
• Support proposal efforts through competitive sourcing initiatives.
• Conduct executive supplier performance reviews and manage scorecard-based assessments.
• Ensure ethical procurement adhering to policies and compliance standards.
• Ensure procurement practices observe FAR, DFARS, and contract requirements.
• Handle supplier negotiations involving government certification and pricing data.
• Create procurement policies supporting compliance and future-readiness.
• Maintain documentation to support audits by customers and regulatory agencies such as DCMA and DCAA.
• Enhance procurement business systems and ERP/MRP processes for scalability.
• Improve demand forecasting accuracy, material visibility, and data integrity.
• Develop dashboards and analytics for supply chain insights.
• Support earned value management and integrated material planning processes.
• Lead integrated material planning to ensure availability while optimizing working capital.
• Collaborate with Engineering on supplier selection, product introductions, and make/buy decisions.
• Manage obsolescence and DMSMS strategies enterprise-wide.
• Assist transitions from technology development to full-rate production.
• Work with Program Management to identify and mitigate material risks.
• Facilitate customer visits, supplier audits, and strategic reviews.
• Resolve critical supplier issues and prevent material shortages.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, export controls, and safety rules.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversee Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Quality, and Supplier Development teams. Responsible for organizational design, recruitment, coaching, evaluating performance, succession plans, and cultivating leadership.