Program Manager Defense Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

Leidos is excited to announce our opening for a Principal Material Project Manager on Global Supply Chain team in Long Beach, MS! The Material Project Manager (MPM) will work as part of a team and focus on execution of material strategy across the program by managing open purchase orders, resolving delays, and driving supplier accountability. In addition, the role will include, but not limited to, identifying and mitigating program risks and opportunities as they pertain to material requirements; achieving program material budget objectives; managing program purchase requirements to lead time schedule; participating in sourcing process improvement projects (both Supply Chain and Program); resolving Supply Chain issues for the program and resolving program material cost problems. The MPM reports to the Material Operations & Strategies Associate Director and is directly aligned to the Program Manager and represents Material Operations & Strategies on customer programs. The MPM is an extension of the corporate shared services for supply chain related support.

Additionally, the MPM is responsible for all activities associated with researching and recommending cost effective purchase arrangements. The MPM works closely with the Manufacturing organization to ensure the review of purchase requisitions for clarity, compliance, detail, completeness, regulatory compliance and obtain additional information considered necessary; the MPM will also work with the Manufacturing Organization to actively manage the procurement process from the order placement through receipt of products and subsequent payment of invoices. Some travel may be required.

Applicant needs to be energetic, resilient, and creative in supporting corporate reporting requirements throughout program manufacturing execution obligations. Must be able to promote a team atmosphere and help cultivate improved communication lines with agile problem-solving solutions.

• Lead execution of material strategy across the program by managing open purchase orders, resolving delays, and driving supplier accountability.
• Act as the primary interface between Leidos and key suppliers, escalating delivery risks, resolving performance issues and ensuring adherence to contractual requirements,
• The MPM articulates to senior leaders/personnel the value, schedule and decision points that impact the efficient delivery of specific commodities (materials, hardware and software). Provide summary and aid in compilation of program metric data and statistics.
• Project management including requirements justification, planning, executing and evaluating the project.
• The MPM plays an integral part in the approval process in procurements.
• The MPM will use critical thinking skills to propose sound and innovative business solutions to increase operational efficiencies to ensure business area and program success.
• The MPM will mitigate and resolve supply chain challenges with priority deliveries and suppliers.
• Facilitate supplier negotiations and discussions to resolution with supply chain and program personnel
• Articulate and drive execution of vision and goals for the corporate supply chain team in conjunction with program critical needs
• Risk Management including creating mitigation plans in coordination with the PMO and project team
• Participate in Program Management Reviews, Status Meetings, or other programmatic subcontractor meetings as needed
• Control Account Management including establishing and maintaining a baseline, support EAC/ETC updates, and variance analysis
• Individual should be a self-starter and someone that is flexible and is able to work independently at a higher level.

• - BA degree and 12 - 15 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 10 - 13 years of prior relevant experience in material project management, procurement, or supply chain execution within Defense, Aerospace, or high-complexity industries.
• -Strong knowledge of Supply Chain and related systems along with material procurement
• -Requires strong analytical and creative problem-solving abilities to understand and facilitate complex supply chain decision-making
• - Expert knowledge of industry practices, advanced techniques and solutions within a professional discipline to develop new standards, processes, and solutions. Serves as a subject matter expert.
• -Proven ability to be a self-starter and quick learner, capable of supporting efforts to achieve goals
• -Excellent written and oral communications skills at all levels both internally and externally with customers and suppliers
• -Ability to work in a fast-paced situation with continuous innovation and flexibility in an on-site manufacturing environment
• -Excellent risk management methodologies
• -Must be able to collaborate and effectively influence across multiple functions to achieve supply chain performance requirements
• -High level of proficiency in MS Office products (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project)
• -Working knowledge of customer flow through requirements such as AS9100, FAR, ITAR, OFFSET, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and public law
• - U.S. Citizenship is required.
• - Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoW Secret Security Clearance is required

• -Supplier relationship management experience
• -Deltek Costpoint experience
• -Ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical application of strategies to programs
• -PowerBI experience
• -Previous mechanical or electronic manufacturing environment experience a plus

July 28, 2026

Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

• competitive compensation
• Health and Wellness programs
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave and Retirement

More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.