Senior Supply Chain / Project Management professional

Service Description

Project Manager - Supplier Recovery & Backlog Reduction

Position Title: Project Manager
Employment Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
Contract Length: 6+ Months (Potential Extension)
Location: Huntsville, AL
Pay Rate: $60+/Hour (Based on Experience)

OVERVIEW

Global Partner Solutions (GPSI) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support a critical supplier recovery and backlog reduction initiative for a key aerospace supplier located in Huntsville, Alabama. This role requires a hands-on Supply Chain and Project Management professional who can implement a shop floor-driven recovery approach focused on removing production bottlenecks, stabilizing yield, controlling daily performance, improving throughput, and reducing backlog.

The selected consultant will work directly with supplier leadership, production teams, quality, planning, and supply chain personnel to identify root causes of poor performance and implement sustainable corrective actions that improve delivery performance and operational stability.

Project Background

The supplier is currently experiencing backlog and production challenges across multiple high-demand aerospace components.

Current Demand Profile

• Approximately 16 active part numbers
• Combined backlog exceeding 200 units
• Combined two-year forecast demand exceeding 1,100 units

Critical Backlog Parts Include RH & LH Windshield and RH & LH Window

These components support critical customer delivery schedules and require immediate recovery efforts to improve output and reduce open backlog.

SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will be responsible for leading and executing a structured supplier recovery initiative focused on improving production performance, increasing throughput, and accelerating backlog recovery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting detailed on-site assessments of manufacturing operations
• Validating existing production and supply chain processes 
• Identifying bottlenecks, constraints, and throughput limitations
• Quantifying root causes impacting output and delivery performance
• Developing and executing targeted recovery plans
• Implementing bottleneck removal initiatives
• Improving production flow and daily performance management
• Stabilizing manufacturing yield and process capability
• Reducing scrap, rework, and operational inefficiencies
• Supporting workforce ramp-up and training efforts
• Establishing structured governance and accountability processes
• Driving sustained backlog reduction and delivery improvements
• Providing regular performance reporting and recovery updates to leadership

Recovery Methodology

The consultant will implement a shop floor-driven recovery strategy designed to achieve both short-term output improvements and long-term operational stability.

Phase 1 – Diagnostic & Recovery Planning

The project will begin with a structured assessment phase consisting of:  

5-7 Day On-Site Diagnostic

• Validate manufacturing and supply chain processes
• Assess production flow and shop floor execution
• Identify bottlenecks and capacity constraints
• Quantify root causes contributing to backlog
• Evaluate labor, materials, planning, and quality impacts

3-5 Day Analysis & Planning Phase

• Analyze assessment findings
• Prioritize improvement opportunities
• Develop targeted recovery plan 
• Establish recovery milestones and performance metrics
• Create governance structure for execution

Estimated Effort: 100 Hours

Phase 2 – Recovery Execution & Stabilization

Following completion of the assessment phase, the consultant will lead a six-month execution and stabilization effort focused on implementing sustainable operational improvements.

Activities will include:

• Removal of manufacturing bottlenecks
• Stabilization of production yield
• Reduction of scrap and rework
• Improvement of daily performance controls
• Workforce ramp-up and operator development
• Throughput and capacity improvements
• Backlog reduction initiatives
• Structured governance and performance reviews
• Development of sustainable operating disciplines

This phase reflects the need not only to identify operational challenges but also to ensure full implementation of corrective actions, operator adoption, and long-term performance stability.

Estimated Effort: 1,040 Hours

Desired Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, manufacturing, supply chain, or operations leadership
• Strong project management and supplier recovery experience
• Proven track record improving supplier performance and production delivery
• Experience leading manufacturing turnaround and backlog reduction initiatives
• Knowledge of production planning, scheduling, inventory management, and operational excellence methodologies
• Strong analytical and root cause problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently within a fast-paced manufacturing environment 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Travel

Travel will be required throughout the engagement. Mileage reimbursement is estimated at $0.72 per mile where applicable.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The successful consultant will deliver measurable improvements in:

• Production throughput
• Schedule adherence
• Supplier performance
• Manufacturing yield
• Backlog reduction
• Delivery reliability
• Workforce effectiveness
• Overall operational stability

This opportunity is ideal for a hands-on Supply Chain and Project Management professional with demonstrated success leading supplier recovery, manufacturing improvement, backlog reduction, and operational excellence initiatives within aerospace or other complex manufacturing environments.