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)