Program Manager, Equipment Supply

The Manager, Equipment Supply is responsible for leading the planning, sourcing, and delivery of engineered equipment in support of major capital projects. This role owns the end-to-end equipment supply strategy and execution, from market engagement and supplier selection through contract management, fabrication follow-up, logistics, and delivery to site. The Manager leads a small team of supply professionals and works closely with Engineering, Project Management, Quality, and Construction to ensure equipment is delivered safely, on time, on budget, and in compliance with all technical and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and maintain the equipment supply strategy for assigned projects or programs, including make/buy, sourcing channels, and supplier footprint.
• Build multi-year equipment category roadmaps that align with project schedules, technology needs, and corporate objectives.
• Partner with Engineering and Project Management to define equipment demand, critical-path items, and long-lead strategy.
• Identify and qualify strategic suppliers capable of meeting technical, quality, schedule, and regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of equipment buyers / supply specialists.
• Allocate workload and priorities across projects to match resource capacity to project needs.
• Establish standard work, templates, and best practices for equipment supply management.
• Foster a culture of safety, integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Sourcing & Negotiation

• Oversee RFx (RFI/RFQ/RFP) processes for major equipment packages, including bid strategy and supplier selection.
• Direct commercial negotiations (price, terms, LDs, warranties, IP, performance guarantees, schedule), escalating and aligning with Legal and Risk when required.
• Approve sourcing recommendations, commercial evaluations, and award decisions within delegated authority.

Supplier & Contract Management

• Act as senior commercial contact for key equipment suppliers and OEMs.
• Ensure robust supplier kickoff, clear scope definition, and alignment on technical specs, documentation, and quality plans.
• Monitor supplier performance against cost, quality, and schedule; lead recovery plans for at-risk suppliers or packages.
• Oversee contract change management, claims, and dispute resolution to minimize impact to cost and schedule.

Execution, Logistics & Interface

• Coordinate with Project Controls and Construction to align delivery dates with project milestones and site readiness.
• Oversee expediting, logistics planning, and delivery sequencing for critical equipment.
• Support resolution of equipment nonconformances, field issues, and warranty claims in partnership with Quality and Engineering.
• Provide timely, transparent status reporting and risk visibility to program leadership and key stakeholders.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Identify and mitigate supply risks (single-source, geopolitics, capacity, regulatory changes).
• Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies, QA/QA programs (e.g., NQA-1 if applicable), export controls, and ethical standards.
• Maintain robust documentation, audit trails, and records for all major equipment procurements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of equipment supply processes, tools, and governance.

Maintains:

• On-time delivery of critical equipment to support project milestones.
• Cost performance vs. budget (TCO, savings, avoidance).
• Supplier quality (NCRs, rework, warranty events).
• Effectiveness of risk management and issue resolution.
• Team performance, development, and engagement.
• Stakeholder satisfaction (Engineering, Projects, Construction, Quality).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field required.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, PMP, CSCP) are a plus.
• Typically, 8+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, strategic sourcing, project management or procurement.
• Significant experience managing engineered equipment or capital equipment packages for large projects (e.g., energy, industrial, nuclear, oil & gas, aerospace).
• At least 3+ years in a people-leadership or team-lead role.
• Demonstrated success managing high-value, complex supplier relationships and contracts.
• Strong understanding of engineered equipment, fabrication processes, and technical documentation.
• Advanced commercial negotiation and contract management skills.
• Solid project management skills, including schedule integration and risk management.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across functions and with senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems and strong analytical/Excel skills.
• Comfortable operating in highly regulated, fast-paced, and ambiguous environments.