Supplier Program Manager

Supplier Program Manager (SPM) - Construction & Facilities

Location: TX, NM or LA/MS

About Us

X-Bow Systems is an innovative aerospace and defense company revolutionizing propulsion systems for space exploration and defense applications. As a growing startup, we operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where strategic supplier partnerships are critical to our mission success. We are seeking a Supplier Program Manager who can proactively manage our construction contractor relationships, drive performance excellence, and implement dynamic contracting strategies that balance control with operational flow.

Job Summary

The Supplier Program Manager will serve as the strategic owner of our indirect construction contractor relationships, managing supplier performance, contract execution, and change order processes across our facilities portfolio. This role requires a proactive, relationship-focused approach to supplier management, with the ability to implement controls and governance frameworks while maintaining project momentum. The ideal candidate brings construction contract expertise, construction project management experience, supplier development experience, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in a regulated defense environment. It would be a plus to have experience in industrial construction such as government facilities, oil and gas or manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Supplier Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary business relationship owner for assigned construction and general contractor suppliers
• Develop and execute supplier engagement strategies that align contractor capabilities with X-Bow's facility and infrastructure needs
• Conduct regular business reviews with key contractors to assess performance, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement
• Build strategic partnerships that enable proactive capacity planning and rapid response to emerging requirements
• Manage supplier schedules and milestones, implementing tracking and communicating status to internal stakeholders

Contract Strategy & Execution

• Design and implement dynamic contracting strategies (MSAs, IDIQ, task orders) that provide flexibility while maintaining cost and schedule control
• Lead contract negotiations for construction services, ensuring favorable terms, competitive pricing, and appropriate risk allocation
• Develop standardized contract templates and frameworks that streamline procurement while ensuring compliance with internal X-Bow policies.
• Partner with Legal and Contracts teams to structure agreements that support both tactical needs and long-term strategic objectives

Change Order Management & Controls

• Establish and manage a proactive change order governance process that balances control with project flow
• Implement early warning systems to identify potential scope changes before they impact schedule or budget
• Negotiate change orders with contractors, ensuring fair pricing, proper justification, and alignment with project objectives
• Develop metrics and dashboards to track change order trends, root causes, and cost impacts
• Create standardized change order evaluation criteria and approval workflows
• Guide and manage document storage process for change orders that is clear and easily accessible

Supplier Performance & Development

• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for construction contractors including quality, schedule adherence, safety, and cost performance
• Conduct supplier scorecarding and performance assessments, implementing corrective action plans when needed
• Identify supplier capability gaps and drive improvement initiatives through training, process enhancement, or supplier development programs
• Manage supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and security requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Facilities, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations teams to understand requirements and translate them into supplier strategies
• Collaborate with Quality and EHS teams to ensure contractors meet safety standards and quality requirements for defense facility work
• Work with Finance and Accounting to resolve invoice discrepancies, track contractor spend, and support budget planning
• Provide regular status updates, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies to leadership

Risk Management & Compliance

• Proactively identify and mitigate supplier-related risks including capacity constraints, financial instability, quality issues, and compliance gaps
• Ensure contractor compliance with security requirements, export control regulations, and facility access protocols
• Maintain awareness of construction market conditions, labor availability, and material cost trends that may impact supplier performance
• Develop contingency plans and alternate sourcing strategies for critical construction capabilities

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to streamline contractor management processes, reduce cycle times, and improve cost effectiveness
• Implement best practices in construction procurement including pre-qualification programs, preferred supplier frameworks, and standardized scopes of work
• Leverage data analytics to identify trends, benchmark performance, and drive evidence-based decision making
• Champion digital tools and technologies that enhance supplier collaboration and visibility

Qualifications:

Required

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Construction Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience: 6+ years of progressive experience in supplier management, procurement, or contract administration, with at least 3 years focused on construction or facilities-related contracts
• Construction Expertise: Demonstrated experience managing general contractors, understanding construction scopes of work, and negotiating construction contracts
• Change Order Management: Proven track record managing change order processes, including evaluation, negotiation, and cost control
• Relationship Management: Strong ability to build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, conduct business reviews, and drive supplier performance improvement
• Project Management: Capability in guiding cross functional teams by aligning goals and actions across the project. Confidence in taking the lead and providing expertise and managing inputs on internal teams.
• Contract Acumen: Experience negotiating and managing complex service contracts; familiarity with various contract structures (fixed price, T&M, cost-plus, IDIQ)
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze supplier performance data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Problem-Solving: Proactive mindset with strong critical thinking and ability to resolve complex supplier issues independently
• U.S. Citizenship: Must be and have the ability to prove US Citizenship

Preferred

• Defense/Aerospace Experience: Experience working in regulated defense or aerospace environments
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, and International Trade Compliance requirements
• Quality Systems: Experience working within ISO9001, AS9100, or similar Quality Management Systems
• Security Clearance: Active or ability to obtain security clearance
• Certifications: CPSM, CPSD, CPM, PMP or similar supply chain/procurement certifications
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, project management tools, ERP systems, and data visualization platforms
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of construction industry practices, labor markets, and material supply chains

Personal Attributes

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to see beyond transactions to build long-term supplier partnerships
• Adaptable: Thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments with changing priorities
• Ownership Mentality: Takes initiative and accountability for supplier outcomes
• Collaborative: Works effectively across functions to achieve shared objectives
• Detail-Oriented: Maintains focus on contract details and compliance while managing strategic relationships
• Results-Driven: Focuses on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement

Travel: Up to 50% (supplier site visits, business reviews, project site assessments)