Job Overview
The Senior Purchasing Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies to ensure reliable supply, cost optimization, and strong supplier performance across all direct and indirect materials. This role oversees supplier management, contract negotiation, risk management, purchasing analytics, and cross‑functional collaboration to support business objectives. The Senior Manager is responsible for optimizing procurement processes, driving continuous improvement, and strengthening vendor partnerships to support quality, delivery, and cost goals.
The ideal candidate has deep experience in manufacturing supply chains, strong analytical skills, and the ability to build strategic supplier partnerships.
Essential Functions
• Develop and execute purchasing strategies that align with organizational goals for cost, quality, delivery, and risk mitigation.
• Lead and mentor a team of purchasing professionals; provide coaching, performance management, and skill development. Support a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Oversee sourcing activities, including supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and performance management.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and long‑term supplier partnerships to drive cost savings and operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers; serve as escalation point for supply issues.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Finance, Quality, Engineering, and Planning to support NPI Initiatives, understand forecast demand, drive total cost of ownership improvements, and ensure supply continuity.
• Analyze market trends, pricing, and commodity data to inform strategic decisions and mitigate supply chain volatility.
• Implement and refine procurement policies, procedures, and systems to improve accuracy, transparency, and compliance.
• Monitor key performance metrics (cost savings, supplier performance, inventory levels, lead times) and report to leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to purchasing processes, tools, and supplier performance.
• Support new product introductions by aligning procurement strategy with engineering and production needs.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory, compliance, and company standards in all procurement activities.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company’s policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.
Qualifications and Competencies
• Expertise in FAR/DFAR and federal procurement processes.
• Proficiency in ERP and procurement analytics tools.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and vendor relationship experience.
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Knowledge of sourcing strategies, inventory management, and cost‑reduction methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
Leadership Competencies
• Directs and provides expert knowledge in the day-to-day function of the department.
• Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent.
• Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• Coaches, mentors, engage and develop the team, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and learning opportunities.
• Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management.
• Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication.
• Provides oversight and direction to the employees in accordance with AEVEX’s policies and procedures.
• Strategic sourcing and supply chain management
• Contract and negotiation leadership
• Team leadership and performance management
• Compliance and Quality assurance
Education / Certifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Industry certifications (e.g., CPM, CPIM, CSCP, CPSM) a plus.
Experience
• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• 5+ years of experience in defense or federal contracting.
• Subject matter expert level experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement technologies.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:
Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment
Security Clearance
• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.
About AEVEX
AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company’s capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.
AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.