Material Planning Manager

Leidos is seeking an experienced Material Planning Manager to lead material planning and supply chain execution activities in support of mission-critical programs within our Defence Sector.

This role is responsible for ensuring material readiness, managing supply chain priorities, resolving procurement and supplier challenges, and driving operational excellence across a diverse portfolio of complex, fast-paced defence programs.

The Material Planning Manager will serve as a key liaison between Program Management, Global Supply Chain, Engineering, Procurement, and other cross-functional stakeholders to ensure timely and effective execution of program requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of material planners (~11 direct reports), including hiring, training, performance management, and career development.
• Oversee material planning and execution activities to ensure alignment with program schedules, production requirements, and customer deliverables.
• Establish priorities, allocate workload, and ensure effective execution of material requirements across multiple programs and efforts.
• Serve as the primary interface between Material Planning and Program Management, Engineering, Procurement, and Supply Chain leadership.
• Drive resolution of material and supply chain issues, escalating as needed to maintain program performance.
• Oversee material tracking, reporting, and metrics to provide visibility into demand, supply, and delivery status.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, government regulations, and procurement requirements (e.g., FAR/DFARS) across planning activities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing material planning processes, tools, and data accuracy.
• Support program reviews, audits, and customer engagements by providing material planning insights and status updates.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field or equivalent experience and 5+ years or prior relevant experience or Masters with 3+ years of prior relevant experience.
• US Citizenship required with ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance.
• Demonstrated experience in material planning, supply chain operations, or procurement within a government contracting or complex program environment.
• Prior experience leading or supervising teams, including task delegation, performance management, and team development.
• Strong understanding of material planning processes, including demand planning, forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain execution.
• Experience working in a cross-functional, matrixed organisation, interfacing with Program Management, Engineering, Procurement, and suppliers.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Costpoint, SAP) and material planning tools.
• Familiarity with government procurement processes and regulations, including FAR/DFARS.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field.
• Experience supporting large, complex DoD programs, preferably within aviation, sustainment, or global logistics environments.
• Demonstrated success leading teams in a matrixed environment, including driving performance, accountability, and employee development.
• Experience with aircraft parts, aviation supply chains, or aerospace component sourcing and sustainment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Costpoint, SAP) and experience leveraging data analytics or reporting tools (e.g., Power BI).
• Experience driving process improvements, business process re-engineering, or implementation of supply chain tools and best practices.
• Strong understanding of supply chain metrics, KPIs, and performance management.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS and government compliance requirements related to material planning and procurement.
• Active Secret Security Clearance.
• Proximity to the DC Metro Area.