Supplier Development Manager

About the role

A Supplier Development Manager position is open within Airbus Defence and Space in Getafe (Madrid), joining the Supply Chain & Quality Management team. The department ensures end-to-end supply chain robustness, drives continuous improvement and boosts supplier performance across aeronautics, astronautics and defence. The role leads field missions, supports critical recovery plans and partners with suppliers from executive leadership down to the shop floor.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct supplier assessments and field missions to identify operational weaknesses, capacity constraints and improvement areas across manufacturing and supply chain processes.
• Define and run Corrective, Improvement and Development (CID) action plans with clear objectives and internal stakeholders.
• Deploy continuous improvement methods and quality tools (Lean, Six Sigma, 8D/PPS, APQP, pFMEA, SPC, DMAIC) at supplier sites.
• Lead technical initiatives such as Transfer of Work (TOW) and New Product Implementation (NPI) while mitigating supply chain risks.
• Provide operational recovery support during critical supplier performance issues to meet delivery and quality targets.
• Manage cross-functional assessment teams and coordinate with global suppliers at all levels.

Required profile

• Engineering degree (aeronautical, industrial, mechanical or related) or business management with a strong industrial background.
• Senior profile with at least 5 years of experience in supply chain, quality, manufacturing, engineering or procurement in the aeronautic sector.
• Advanced English (negotiation level) mandatory; Spanish and/or German is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel regularly, around 40%, mainly to supplier sites in the Madrid area, with flexibility for short-notice missions worldwide.

Required skills

• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes and systems.
• APQP tools (pFMEA, SPC, MSA, control plans) and APICS fundamentals.
• Negotiation, communication and influence, and ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in intercultural settings.
• Nice to have: Six Sigma Black Belt or Shainin accreditation, audit/assessment experience, Procurement IT tools, multiple languages.

What we offer

• Permanent position with an attractive salary.
• Vacation days plus additional days off, hybrid working where possible.
• Health insurance, employee stock options, retirement plan or study grants, collective transport at some sites, on-site canteen, kindergarten and medical office.
• Upskilling opportunities and CSR involvement.