ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Supplier Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ag

Supplier Development Manager

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

The Supplier Development Manager is in charge of implementing Recovery, Development, and Assessment assignments at supplier sites as part of the Procurement Operations department. This position ...

Airbus

Supplier Development Manager

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

The Supplier Development Manager is in charge of implementing Recovery, Development, and Assessment assignments at supplier sites as part of the Procurement Operations department. This position ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSupplier Development JobsSupplier Development Manager Jobs

Supplier Development Manager information

See salary details

$22

$52

$83

How much do supplier development manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for supplier development manager in the United States is $52.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.35 and $64.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Supplier Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Supplier Development Manager, you need expertise in supply chain management, procurement processes, quality assurance, and typically a relevant degree in business, engineering, or supply chain. Familiarity with ERP systems, supplier performance analytics tools, and certifications like Six Sigma or APICS are commonly required. Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are vital to ensure reliable supplier performance, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.

What is a Supplier Development Manager?

A Supplier Development Manager is responsible for improving the performance and capabilities of a company's suppliers. They work closely with suppliers to ensure they meet quality, cost, and delivery standards, and help implement process improvements. This role often involves evaluating supplier performance, fostering strong relationships, and collaborating on initiatives that drive mutual growth. Supplier Development Managers play a key role in optimizing the supply chain and supporting business objectives.

What is the difference between Supplier Development Manager vs Procurement Specialist?

AspectSupplier Development ManagerProcurement Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree; certifications like CPSM or CSCP often preferredBachelor's degree; certifications like CPSM or CSCP beneficial
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with suppliers to improve quality, cost, and deliveryFocuses on sourcing, purchasing, and contract negotiations
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, and supply chain sectorsWidely used across various industries including retail and logistics

The Supplier Development Manager and Procurement Specialist roles both require supply chain knowledge and certifications like CPSM or CSCP. However, the Supplier Development Manager primarily works on improving supplier performance and relationships, while the Procurement Specialist focuses on sourcing and purchasing activities. Both roles are essential in supply chain management but serve different functions within organizations.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Supplier Development Manager when working with new suppliers?

A Supplier Development Manager often encounters challenges such as aligning new suppliers with the company's quality standards, managing communication across different cultures and time zones, and ensuring timely delivery during the initial phases of collaboration. Building trust and establishing clear performance metrics are crucial, and it can take time for suppliers to adapt to new processes or expectations. Successful Supplier Development Managers proactively address these issues through regular site visits, continuous training, and fostering transparent communication channels with suppliers.
More about Supplier Development Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Supplier Development Manager jobs? Cities with the most Supplier Development Manager job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Supplier Development Manager jobs? The top employers for Supplier Development Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Supplier Development Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Supplier Development Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Supplier Development Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Supplier Development Manager jobs are:
Supplier Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Supplier Development Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,213 per year, or $53 per hour.
Supplier Development Manager

Supplier Development Manager

Air Lift Company

Lansing, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Supplier Development Manager

Air Lift, a third-generation family-owned company, was founded in 1949 in Lansing, Michigan. Air Lift supplies the automotive aftermarket with load assist products and performance suspensions for show and track. Our goal is to consistently provide products and services that meet and exceed customer’s requirements and expectations. We do this by recruiting top talent and retaining them through our commitment to professional development and preservation of our culture.

Job Summary

This role serves as a strategic procurement and sourcing leader responsible for supporting operational performance, product development, commercialization initiatives, supplier partnerships, and long-term business growth through effective sourcing, supplier development, and cross-functional leadership.

As the organization continues to grow, the Supplier Development Manager role will serve as a strategic leader supporting sourcing, supplier development, commercialization, and business growth initiatives beyond day-to-day purchasing activities.

This position will lead strategic projects involving supplier partnerships, complete product sourcing, new product launches, packaging, branding opportunities, outsourced manufacturing, and supplier validation activities while working cross-functionally with operations, engineering, sales, marketing, and executive leadership.

The role is intended to focus on higher-level strategic sourcing, supplier performance management, supplier roadmaps, risk mitigation, commercialization support, and organizational gap coverage, while buyers maintain responsibility for routine transactional purchasing and daily procurement execution.

The Supplier Development Manager is expected to help drive supplier innovation, growth enablement, strategic partnerships, and executive-level purchasing leadership to support the long-term objectives of the business.

Essential Duties
  • Lead supplier development initiatives across domestic and global supply base to improve quality, delivery, cost, capacity, and overall supplier performance.
  • Develop and maintain supplier roadmaps aligned with company growth strategy, sourcing requirements, risk mitigation, and new product launches.
  • Lead supplier segmentation strategy including preferred, strategic, developmental, and conditional supplier classifications.
  • Manage sourcing of complete assemblies, and outsourced manufacturing solutions.
  • Manage, organize and leverage any contract supplier sourcing houses (ex. Mexico, China, India) sourcing.
  • Ensure suppliers meet all commercial, operational, financial, quality, compliance, and cybersecurity requirements prior to approval.
  • Conduct supplier due diligence including:
    • Financial stability analysis
    • Manufacturing capability assessments
    • Website and digital presence review
    • Compliance and regulatory checks
    • Insurance and certification validation
    • Reference and reputation checks
    • Supply chain risk analysis
  • Partner with Director and buyers to ensure supplier onboarding documentation and approvals are fully completed before business award.
  • Support long-term sourcing strategy including dual sourcing, localization, cost reduction, supplier consolidation, and risk mitigation initiatives.
  • Lead strategic procurement initiatives focused on supplier positioning, sourcing roadmaps, long-term supplier partnerships, and cross-functional execution aligned with company growth objectives.
  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies for complete products, componentry, packaging, outsourced manufacturing, and new product opportunities using structured supplier evaluation, validation, and risk assessment criteria.
  • Establish supplier development roadmaps, performance metrics, and cross-functional evaluation processes to ensure suppliers meet operational, commercial, quality, capacity, innovation, and scalability requirements.
  • Partner with engineering, operations, sales, marketing, and executive leadership to execute strategic sourcing initiatives, commercialization activities, supplier transitions, and growth-focused procurement projects while supporting the procurement team with qualified supplier pipelines and sourcing direction.
  • Procurement strategy
  • Supplier portfolio management
  • Supplier development
  • Commercialization
  • Roadmap ownership
  • Cross-functional sourcing governance
  • Market intelligence
  • Long-term sourcing alignment
  • Supplier innovation
  • Strategic execution

Position Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, or related
  • 5+ years of experience in designing, implementing, managing and monitoring procurement reporting systems to meet company requirements.
  • Ability to plan, organize, direct and control activities related to the procurement function.
  • Ability to independently, or through subordinate personnel, prepare instructions regarding purchasing systems and procedures.
  • Experience in analyzing market and delivery conditions to determine present and future material availability and prepare market analysis reports.
  • Responsible for sourcing and maintaining the organization’s supplier base.
  • Ability to oversee all activities related to procurement of a commodity, from intent to purchase through delivery of commodity.

Preferred Qualifications

  • The job typically requires a bachelor’s degree in business or engineering and 5+ years of experience, or equivalent.
  • Previous experience in Designing, implementing, managing and monitoring procurement reporting systems to meet company requirements.

Benefits

  • Health and Wellness
    • Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
    • Mental Health Support: Access to counseling services or mental health apps
    • Health Savings Accounts (HSA/FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare expenses
    • Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off
    • Gym Reimbursement
  • Financial Security
    • Retirement Plans: 401(k) with up to 8% company matching
    • Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage for life and short-term and long-term disability
    • Financial Planning Resources: Access to financial planning workshops or financial advisors
  • Career Development
    • Professional Development: Funding for courses, certifications, or conferences
    • Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continuing education