Supply Chain Leadership
Supply Chain Discipline: $270M Global Procurement at Eclipse Aviation
As Senior Director of Strategic Sourcing, reinvigorated Eclipse Aviation's global supply chain—managing 100+ suppliers on $270M+ procurements while redesigning contracts, quality processes, and internal sourcing discipline.
Procurements
$270M+
Suppliers
100+
Process Redesign
Complete
Challenge
Eclipse Aviation's very light jet program depended on a global supply base spanning 100+ direct material suppliers. Fragmented contracts, inconsistent quality evaluation, and decentralized non-material procurement eroded supplier trust and threatened production continuity.
Situation
Andrews joined Eclipse Aviation to manage global supplier relationships on procurements valued at over $270M supporting 2008 aircraft delivery targets, requiring immediate restoration of supply chain discipline.
Strategy
Revise contract structures and quality evaluation processes protecting company interests. Centralize non-material services procurement. Revamp supplier communications ensuring message continuity. Conduct comprehensive supply base capabilities review for planned production rate increases.
Execution
Redesigned contract and quality evaluation frameworks. Established centralized procurement for non-material services. Implemented structured supplier communication protocols. Led supply base capabilities assessment aligned with production planning.
Outcome
Restored supplier trust and negotiation positions through disciplined communication and contract management. Established sourcing infrastructure supporting planned production rate increases. Protected company interests while maintaining supplier relationship continuity.
Business Impact
- ✓$270M+ procurements managed
- ✓100+ supplier relationships restructured
- ✓Contract and quality processes redesigned
- ✓Centralized non-material procurement established
- ✓Supply base review completed for production scaling
Lessons Learned
- “Supplier trust is a strategic asset that disciplined communication preserves”
- “Centralized procurement of non-material services eliminates costly fragmentation”
- “Supply base reviews must align with production planning, not follow it”