Senior Procurement Manager

DSJ Global is partnered with a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer seeking a Senior Procurement Manager to lead strategic procurement, supplier management, and purchasing operations across a complex manufacturing environment. This individual will play a critical role in developing sourcing strategies, strengthening supplier performance, and supporting highly engineered products throughout the full product lifecycle. This leadership position will work closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Program Management, Quality, and Finance teams to ensure material availability, optimize supplier partnerships, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates with a strong background in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments are strongly encouraged to apply. Key Responsibilities Lead strategic sourcing, purchasing, subcontract management, and supplier negotiations across direct material spend categories Develop and execute sourcing and commodity strategies aligned with business objectives, operational requirements, and long-term supply chain goals. Manage supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, and risk mitigation metrics. Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing purchasing organization while supporting future organizational growth. Partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management teams to support new product introductions, supplier selection, and make-versus-buy decisions. Drive supplier development initiatives, long-term agreements, and strategic partnerships that improve cost, quality, and delivery performance. Support forecasting, demand planning, and procurement execution to ensure continuity of supply for critical programs. Lead cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, value engineering efforts, spend analysis, and sourcing optimization. Oversee supplier transition activities, qualification efforts, and risk management programs. Develop reporting and KPI frameworks to monitor procurement performance, inventory strategy, material availability, and supplier effectiveness. Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance procurement processes, operational efficiency, and overall supply chain performance. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to resolve supply disruptions, lead-time challenges, and supplier capacity constraints. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field required. 7+ years of progressive procurement, sourcing, or supply chain leadership experience. Aerospace or defense industry experience is required. Proven success managing complex supplier networks supporting high-technology or engineered products. Demonstrated experience developing strategic sourcing plans, supplier performance programs, and procurement best practices. Strong understanding of manufacturing supply chains, supplier development, risk management, and inventory strategies. Experience supporting products throughout the full lifecycle, from new product introduction through obsolescence management. Knowledge of government contracting environments, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, or similar regulated environments is highly preferred. Strong commercial negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management experience. Proven people leadership experience, including team development, coaching, and succession planning. Location: Gaithersburg, MD (Onsite) Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship required. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. #J-18808-Ljbffr