Aviation Supplier Management

Aviation Partner Manager

Echo Star has an exciting opportunity in our Hughes Network Systems division for an Aviation Partner Manager supporting our AERO Mobility business unit. This role is essential for managing and optimizing the aviation vendor supply chain of key materials and products, ensuring timely and cost-efficient delivery while maintaining strong relationships with aviation suppliers. This position will play a critical role in planning, forecasting, and ensuring alignment between Hughes procurement operations, program management, product, and engineering teams.

This role offers a great opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and operational excellence. This position will be located at our office in either Germantown, MD or Lisle, IL.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and optimize aviation supplier processes for the production of aviation components, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with quality standards
• Lead collaboration efforts with Hughes product team, aircraft engineering and aviation third-party suppliers for product production and ensuring timely completion and adherence to budget and cost minimization
• Monitor aviation supplier performance, including delivery times, quality, and reliability metrics, as well as compliance with contractual terms
• Focus the supply base on quality and reliability through the design and manufacturing process
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key aviation suppliers to ensure effective communication, cooperation, and performance
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on their reliability, cost efficiency, quality, and ability to meet deadlines
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to ensure the best value for the company

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., manufacturing, sales, product, and engineering) to forecast demand for third-party aviation suppliers
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize aviation third-party supplier inventory levels, reduce lead times, and improve overall delivery efficiency
• Continuously analyze and improve aviation third-party supply chain processes to drive cost reduction, improve supplier performance, and enhance efficiency
• Identify and mitigate risks in the aviation third-party supply chain by developing contingency plans for potential disruptions or delays
• This position will require up to 50% travel

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, and/or Business Administration or related field
• 8+ years of experience in aviation supplier management
• Prior experience in managing relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts, and improving supplier performance
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma
• Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and planning software

Skills and

Qualifications:

• Certification in supply chain management (e.g., APICS, CSCP, CPM) is a plus
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., AS9100, FAA regulations) and quality control methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, FMEA, Root Cause Analysis)
• Strong understanding of inventory management, demand forecasting, and production planning
• Strong knowledge of aviation design and manufacturing processes
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong problem-solving abilities and proactive mindset
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other office software
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers
• Resilient under pressure with the ability to handle complex situations and resolve conflicts
• Strategic thinker with the ability to innovate and improve processes

Salary Ranges

Compensation: $97,500.00/Year - $/Year

Benefits

We offer versatile health perks, including flexible spending accounts, HSA, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, career opportunities, and a flexible time away plan; all benefits can be viewed here:
Echo Star Benefits.

The base pay range shown is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, and competencies; compensation is based on the role's location and is subject to change based on work location.

Candidates need to successfully complete a pre-employment screen, which may include a drug test and DMV check. Our company is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where every individual has the opportunity to succeed. We are dedicated to providing individuals with criminal or arrest records a fair chance of employment in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.

The posting will be active for a minimum of 3 days. The active posting will continue to…