Job DescriptionResponsible for the strategic sourcing, procurement, contract administration, and supply chain management of all raw materials supporting the production of military combat vehicles and associated defense programs. The Strategic Sourcing Buyer serves as the primary subject matter expert for raw materials, including armor-grade steel, aluminum armor plate, extrusions, and specialty materials, ensuring material availability, and cost competitiveness. Accountable for securing the best overall value for the organization by balancing cost, quality, delivery, and supply continuity while ensuring 100% quality compliance and on-time delivery performance.
The Strategic Sourcing Buyer works closely with engineering, quality assurance, manufacturing, program managers, suppliers, and government representatives to ensure that all material requirements are fulfilled in accordance with military specifications, contractual obligations, and production schedules.
- Develop, negotiate, implement, and administer Long-Term Supply Agreements (LTSA's) and other strategic procurement contracts.
- Lead negotiations involving pricing, economic price adjustments, delivery schedules, contract terms, and supplier performance requirements.
- Manage procurement activities for raw materials supporting multiple combat vehicle programs and production facilities.
- Maintain expertise in military specifications, material standards, ballistic requirements, and raw material manufacturing processes.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers regarding material availability, lead times, technical requirements, and production constraints.
- Support internal stakeholders including engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, planning, and program management teams.
- Identify and qualify alternate sources of supply to mitigate material shortages and supple chain disruptions.
- Conduct market analysis to monitor material pricing trends, mill capacity, import restrictions, tariffs, and industry developments.
- Coordinate resolution of supplier quality issues, non-conformances, returns, corrective actions, and recovery plans.
- Support government and third-party testing actives, including ballistic qualification requirements and material certification.
- Assist Tier 1 suppliers in locating hard-to-source materials and developing sourcing strategies to support program execution.
- Analyze inventory positions, forecast requirements, and production schedules to ensure adequate material availability.
- Prepare procurement strategies, management briefings, supplier evaluations, and executive -level communications.
- Manage supplier performance matrices related to cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, government regulations, defense industry requirements, and contractual obligations.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with mills, distributors, fabricators and strategic suppliers.
Required Skills and Education- Typically a Bachelors degree and Minimum of 4 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, manufacturing, or defense contracting. Work experience considered in lieu of formal education.
- Comprehensive knowledge of metallic raw materials, including armor steel, aluminum armor plate, aluminum alloys, extrusions, and plate products.
- Strong understanding of military specifications, material certifications, and defense industry procurement requirements.
- Extensive contract negotiation and supplier management experience.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, and technical documentation.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes, heat treatment and material testing requirements.
- Strong analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency in MRP systems, Microsoft Office applications, and supply chain management tools.
Preferred Skills and Education- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
- Experience negotiating commercial agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
- Experience with government contracts, military specifications, and defense industry programs preferred.
