Director of Supply Chain

Director of Supply Chain

The Director of Supply Chain will lead and develop Hanwha Defense USA's procurement and supply chain function with a primary focus on production procurement supporting ship building programs. This role will establish the strategic direction, processes, and organizational structure required to ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective sourcing of materials, equipment, and services essential to production operations. The Director will build and manage a high-performing procurement team while driving supplier performance, operational excellence, and supply chain resilience across domestic and international operations.

• Establish and lead the procurement strategy for shipbuilding materials, including steel and raw materials, equipment, bulk materials, consumables, MRO supplies, and services.
• Lead the localization of supply base for key raw materials and equipment to meet the Build America Act requirement through the development of supply chain strategy and supplier development.
• Monitor and manage the performance and compliance of shipyard procurement teams.
• Build, lead, and mentor a procurement and supply chain organization capable of supporting high-volume, defense-focused production operations.
• Oversee supplier sourcing, selection, qualification, and performance management to support program requirements and long-term business objectives.
• Lead complex contract negotiations, pricing strategies, long-term agreements, and cost-reduction initiatives across global supply markets.
• Direct supply chain risk management activities, including supplier contingency planning, assessment of critical suppliers, and mitigation of disruptions affecting production schedules.
• Oversee delivery schedule management, production material planning integration, and coordination with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time availability of critical items.
• Manage procurement for capital projects, including facilities, construction materials, equipment packages, and engineering/procurement/construction (EPC) scopes as required.
• Ensure compliance with Incoterms, international logistics requirements, hazardous goods transportation (IMDG), and import/export regulations related to material movement.
• Oversee global supplier relationships, including licensor and equipment vendor management, contract compliance, and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Coordinate with internal teams—including Production, Engineering, Quality, Compliance, and Finance—to align procurement activities with technical, operational, and cost objectives.
• Support defense-specific procurement requirements, including familiarity with DFARS, domestic sourcing obligations, and other U.S. defense acquisition expectations.
• Drive implementation and continuous improvement of procurement policies, procedures, tools, systems, and controls to ensure operational excellence and audit readiness.
• Establish performance metrics, reporting dashboards, and supplier KPIs to manage cost, quality, delivery, and risk across the supply base.
• Collaborate closely with logistics partners to ensure effective international transportation and freight management supporting production schedules.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Proven experience in production procurement within a manufacturing environment; experience in shipbuilding industry is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success building and scaling procurement and supply chain teams.
• Strong background in contract negotiation, sourcing strategy, supplier management, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Experience managing suppliers, equipment vendors, and licensors.
• Comprehensive understanding of Incoterms and international transportation practices.
• Experience with hazardous goods (IMDG) transportation, import/export requirements, and related regulatory considerations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Familiarity with defense industry procurement standards, including DFARS and domestic sourcing constraints.
• Ability to work collaboratively across Production, Engineering, Quality, Compliance, Security, and Finance functions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, technically complex environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in procurement or supply chain roles, including leadership of teams.
• Experience in defense and shipbuilding industry strongly preferred.

• Occasional international travel required.
• Must be a U.S. person as required for access to controlled information.