Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Manager (Aerospace) – Independent Contractor

Location: Greater Toronto Area – Mainly Mississauga; occasional visits to Whitby

Employment Type: Independent Contractor (Freelance)

Contract Length: 12 months renewable

Start Date: ASAP

Hybrid position , 35h/week average

We are seeking a highly experienced Supply Chain Manager from the aerospace industry to support our client with on-time delivery of critical materials and components .

This role is hands-on and supplier-facing , requiring regular visits to vendors in the Mississauga area and occasional travel to Whitby (1–2 times per week maximum ). Depending on where the consultant resides within the GTA, schedules will be coordinated to ensure practicality for everyone.

The ideal consultant brings 20+ years of aerospace experience , a strong background in manufacturing, machining, supplier performance, and expediting , and enjoys being on the shop floor , solving delivery issues directly with suppliers.

Flexibility, mobility, and the ability to navigate fast-changing priorities are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Expediting & Delivery Performance

• Monitor purchase orders and supplier schedules to ensure on-time delivery of materials and components.
• Conduct on-site supplier visits (primarily in Mississauga; Whitby periodically) to assess production status, constraints, and risks.
• Follow up proactively with suppliers to track progress, resolve delays, negotiate new commitments, and secure recovery plans.
• Expedite critical items, including arranging alternate routings or sourcing when required.
• Document supplier interactions, status updates, delivery risks, and action items clearly.

Supplier Development & Risk Mitigation

• Identify risks related to capacity, quality, technical issues, or planning, and escalate when necessary.
• Support short-term supplier recovery and contribute to long-term performance improvement.
• Participate in supplier audits, capability assessments, and performance reviews when required.
• Utilize manufacturing knowledge (for ex: machining, assembly, GD&T, inspection processes) to understand and challenge suppliers constructively.

Cross-functional Coordination

• Work closely with procurement, production planning, engineering, and quality teams to align priorities.
• Present concise updates on supplier performance, risks, and action plans.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards, internal policies, and export control requirements.
• Use ERP/MRP and Microsoft Office tools to maintain accurate delivery data and performance metrics.

Candidate Profile

Must Have

• Independent contractor status or willing to be
• 20+ years of aerospace experience in roles such as supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing, program management, planning, or expediting.
• Hands-on experience working directly with suppliers (audits, troubleshooting, OTD recovery, quality/production reviews).
• Strong understanding of precision machining, assemblies, drawings (GD&T), inspection processes , and manufacturing workflows.
• Proven ability to manage multiple suppliers and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems .
• Flexibility and willingness to travel regularly within the GTA (Mississauga mainly, Whitby occasionally).

Assets

• Experience with major aerospace manufacturers (machining, aerostructures, landing gear, etc.).
• Knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, or similar supplier quality processes.
• Certifications such as PMP, CET, AS9100/ISO auditor, etc.
• Previous roles like Supplier Development Engineer, Supplier Quality, Sr. Planner, Program Manager (aerospace manufacturing), or Supply Chain Manager.