Defense Procurement Manager

We are looking for high-impact procurement professionals who thrive in rapidly evolving environments where speed and communication are critical. Procurement Managers drive successful commodity sourcing strategies with a long-term view, developing relationships across industries to establish a strong supplier foundation.

This role requires intense internal collaboration to deliver results that meet key business, technical, cost, and schedule requirements. Procurement Managers own short- and long-term deal structuring, maximizing the value of an engagement across cost, contract, and product.

Responsibilities:

• Develop a long-term strategy and secure cross-functional buy-in
• Create and execute RFx strategies
• Lead strategic sourcing for the 'Physical AI' stack, including high-performance GPU clusters, edge-compute modules, and specialized sensors (LiDAR, thermal, and radio) required for autonomous defense platforms
• Partner with Engineering from the 'breadboard' prototyping phase to ensure that selected hardware components meet the SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) requirements of ruggedized defense
• Develop processes in compliance with FAR, DFARS, and corporate policies
• Ensure readiness and compliance for DCMA Purchasing System Reviews (CPSR)
• Build strong relationships while negotiating with industry-leading suppliers
• Reduce cost and increase value
• Manage internally and externally by influence
• Lead process improvement projects to maximize efficiency of impact

Requirements:

• 10+ years in strategic sourcing, commodity management, global supply management, or similar field
• 2+ years leading Physical AI or Robotics Commodity Procurement: Proven experience sourcing high-performance compute (GPUs/FPGA), edge-processing units, or advanced sensing suites (LiDAR, Radar, EO/IR).
• Expertise with FAR, DFARS, DCMA audits, and CPSR
• Strong sense of urgency and a strategic mindset
• Insatiable curiosity and a keen attention to detail
• Highly efficient executive-level communication skills
• Exceptional negotiation skills
• Ability to cut through ambiguity to make concrete and sound decisions
• Thorough understanding of complex contract structures
• Ability to rapidly prioritize and execute in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in DoD, aerospace, and/or defense contracting environments
• Bachelor's Degree in supply chain, finance, business, or similar field

Nice to have:

• MBA
• Experience with the Google suite of tools (e.g. Google Sheets, Google Docs)
• Experience using Slack on a professional level
• Experience working in a rapidly evolving startup environment