Outsourcing Manager

Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight!

Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution.

As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.

The Outsourcing Manager is responsible for vendor/supplier qualification, quality, and performance management, order management activities, and maintaining overall vendor/supplier relationships.

• Identify, evaluate and onboard new vendors and suppliers.
• Review vendor/supplier capabilities and conduct capacity planning as needed
• Request quotes and negotiate terms for outsourced goods and services
• Plan and monitor outsourced activities within the given project timeline in close collaboration with the internal project teams and the vendors/suppliers
• Directly communicate status updates, action plans, and recovery strategies with program, planning, and operations teams
• Represent the organization in meetings with internal and external stakeholders to manage specific projects
• Manage approved vendor/supplier lists and corresponding files
• Monitor and report supplier/vendor quality and delivery performance metrics and improvement goals
• Partner with Quality Assurance to complete vendor/supplier audits, problem-solving activities, and corrective actions as needed
• Initiate and negotiate cost-saving measures, leveraging innovative strategies to enhance value and optimize the organization's financial performance
• Develop and implement strategies for on-time delivery (OTD) execution, material cost reduction, lead time improvements, supplier rationalization, and working capital optimization
• Prevent production material shortages by proactively identifying and expediting necessary items

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:

• 5+ years of experience in supplier/vendor management, supplier vendor qualification, or purchasing environment
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment –knowledge of practices including made to order fabrication, welding, machining, bonding, fastening a plus
• Demonstrated experience dealing directly with suppliers from a quality, purchasing, and/or development perspective
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associates or higher degree a plus
• This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22.C.F.R. § is required

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Blueprint and GD&T interpretation, Bill of Material (BOM) understanding
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Effective speaking and listening skills
• Technical, analytical, and problem-solving mindset
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Ethical conduct with a high regard for confidential information
• Proficient with computers, SAP software, Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
• Organized with a keen attention to detail

• Manage outsourcing team that sources vendors and suppliers in support of Michigan and California operations.

• Occasional travel to vendors/suppliers as necessary

• Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation
• May access and work in the…