Senior Buyer / Supply Chain & Procurement Manager - DoD Programs

Position Overview

Vulcan Wireless, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer / Supply Chain & Procurement Manager to support Department of Defense (DoD) programs and lead strategic supply chain operations. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in government procurement, subcontract management, material planning, inventory control, ERP administration, and regulatory compliance.

This role is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, planning, and managing suppliers while ensuring cost-effective, compliant, and on-time delivery of materials and services supporting government contracts. The position will also lead purchasing and material planning personnel, drive operational excellence, and serve as a key stakeholder in the implementation, optimization, and ongoing management of the company's Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management ERP system .

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Procure materials, components, and services in support of DoD contracts.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and company purchasing procedures.
• Prepare and issue RFQs/RFPs and evaluate supplier proposals.
• Perform cost and price analysis in accordance with FAR Part 15.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, lead times, and contractual conditions.
• Flow down required government clauses to subcontractors and suppliers.
• Review and validate supplier certifications, including Certificates of Conformance (COCs), material certifications, and country-of-origin documentation.
• Support counterfeit parts mitigation and supplier traceability requirements in accordance with DFARS requirements.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships to improve quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost performance.
• Manage supplier performance metrics and corrective actions related to quality, delivery, and cost.

Material Planning, ERP & Operations

• Lead material planning activities to support production schedules, program milestones, and customer delivery requirements.
• Manage and maintain MRP data integrity, including demand forecasts, lead times, safety stock levels, and inventory parameters.
• Lead and support implementation, configuration, administration, and continuous improvement of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management .
• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, Manufacturing, Engineering, and IT teams to optimize ERP workflows, reporting, master data management, and process automation.
• Utilize Dynamics 365 planning tools to improve procurement efficiency, inventory visibility, and manufacturing performance.
• Monitor inventory levels and implement strategies to optimize inventory investment while minimizing shortages and excess material.
• Analyze demand signals, forecasts, and production requirements to ensure timely material availability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to supply chain efficiency, inventory accuracy, and operational performance.
• Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), capacity planning, and production scheduling activities.
• Develop ERP-based dashboards, reports, and metrics to improve decision-making and operational visibility.

Cost Management & Financial Oversight

• Develop and implement cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, sourcing strategies, value engineering, and process improvements.
• Monitor material costs, purchase price variances, and supply chain spending to achieve organizational cost objectives.
• Support proposal and estimating activities by providing supplier quotations, cost analysis, and material pricing data.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and support financial audits, including DCMA and DCAA reviews.
• Provide regular reporting and analysis on procurement savings, inventory metrics, supplier performance, and operational costs.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate purchasing documentation and procurement files in accordance with company policies and government requirements.
• Support Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSR) and other government audits.
• Ensure procurement records are audit-ready and compliant with applicable regulations.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks affecting program performance and contractual compliance.
• Support ERP governance, data integrity, and internal controls related to procurement and inventory processes.

Leadership & Team Management

• Manage, mentor, and develop purchasing and material planning personnel.
• Establish departmental goals, KPIs, and performance metrics.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer focus.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, Finance, and IT teams.
• Lead change management efforts associated with ERP enhancements, process improvements, and organizational growth initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of procurement and supply chain experience, including at least 3+ years supporting DoD contracts and programs.
• Previous supervisory or management experience leading procurement, planning, or supply chain teams.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS regulations, government subcontracting requirements, and flow-down clauses.
• Experience with cost and price analysis, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• Experience with material planning, forecasting, inventory management, and MRP systems.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management or similar enterprise ERP systems.
• Experience purchasing electronic components, mechanical parts, assemblies, or manufacturing services.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, leadership, and project management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and Power BI.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting DCMA audits and DCAA reviews.
• Familiarity with DFARS View phone number on click.appcast.io (Counterfeit Electronic Parts) requirements.
• CPSR (Contractor Purchasing System Review) experience.
• Experience with small business subcontracting requirements.
• Experience leading or participating in Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management implementations, upgrades, migrations, or process transformation projects .
• Experience with Dynamics 365 modules including Procurement & Sourcing, Inventory Management, Warehouse Management, Master Planning, Production Control, and Finance.
• Experience with Microsoft Power BI, Power Automate, and Power Platform solutions.
• Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or related certification.

Key Skills

• Government contract compliance
• Strategic sourcing and supplier management
• Material planning and inventory control
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management
• MRP/ERP administration and optimization
• Cost analysis and cost reduction
• Supplier negotiations
• Supply chain risk mitigation
• Documentation and audit readiness
• Team leadership and development
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
• Power BI reporting and analytics
• Business process improvement
• Operations and supply chain management

Work Environment

• Office environment with regular interaction across Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Program Management, Finance, and IT teams.
• Occasional supplier visits, audits, trade events, and customer meetings may be required.

Job Type

Full-Time

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Schedule
• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Sick Time
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Vision Insurance

Education

Bachelor's Degree (Required)

Salary Range

• Supply Chain Professional (7–10 Years Experience) $110,000 – $130,000
• Senior Supply Chain & Procurement Manager (10–15 Years Experience) $130,000 – $150,000
• Senior DoD Supply Chain Leader / ERP Transformation Experience (15+ Years) $150,000 – $175,000

Actual compensation is based on experience, qualifications, certifications, ERP implementation expertise, security clearance status, and overall fit for the role.

Work Location

In Person – Carlsbad, California

Why Join Us?

At Vulcan Wireless, Inc. , you'll play a critical role supporting national defense programs while helping drive operational excellence through advanced supply chain management and digital transformation initiatives. You'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful projects, influence strategic business decisions, and contribute to a growing organization that values innovation, teamwork, and professional development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vulcan Wireless, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be U.S. citizens as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3).