Job Details

Purchasing Manager

LHH is assisting a fast paced, highly regulated manufacturing organization supporting complex defense and aerospace programs is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead a growing procurement team, drive supplier performance, and support mission critical production operations.

This role requires deep experience with government contracting, FAR/DFARS, cost analysis, supplier negotiations, and managing procurement in a high complexity environment.

Must-haves

• Aerospace/defense, military, or government contracting procurement experience
• Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS
• Experience leading and developing junior purchasing teams
• Ability to manage complexity, urgency, and rapid pace
• Proven capability to balance cost, quality, and delivery
• Strategic and tactical leadership across supply chain functions
• Strong negotiation and cost analysis experience
• U.S. Citizenship due to regulatory requirements

Industry Flexibility

• Aerospace/defense preferred
• Open to manufacturing backgrounds with military/government contract exposure

Key Responsibilities

• Lead procurement functions including solicitation, proposal review, fact finding, and cost/price analysis
• Interpret and analyze complex cost proposals
• Oversee major/critical procurement activities and supplier contract processes
• Collaborate cross functionally with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Program Management, and Operations
• Assess material availability and forecast future supply risks
• Prepare and process purchase orders and requisitions
• Evaluate, award, and manage competitive bids
• Maintain purchasing systems, documentation, and compliance records
• Direct disposal of surplus materials
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies within a matrixed environment
• Guide market analysis, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations
• Negotiate modifications to subcontracts
• Serve as SME for purchasing policies, audits, and compliance reviews
• Partner with Engineering on Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) initiatives
• Support Kaizen and other continuous improvement efforts

Qualifications

• 7+ years purchasing or materials management experience; aerospace/defense preferred
• 3+ years management experience
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• CPIM / APICS certification highly desirable
• Experience with DOT and BATF regulations is a plus
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching ability, and team development experience
• Strong organizational skills with a commitment to deadlines
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Engineering, Operations, or related field (masters preferred)

Work Expectations

• Fully onsite at Hollister, CA location
• Leadership of a junior level procurement team
• Ability to operate in a high tempo, high complexity environment
• Weekly update cadence with leadership stakeholders

Pay Details: $107,000.00 to $198,000.00 per year

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Military connected talent encouraged to apply To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Ref: US_EN_27_814395_3118467