Purchasing Manager

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.

Job Description

EBAD seeks an accomplished individual for the position of Purchasing Manager reporting to the Sr. Supply Chain & Logistics Manager in our Simsbury, CT location.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the procurement function to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and quality-focused acquisition of materials, components, and services required to support aerospace manufacturing and operations. This role oversees a team of Buyers, drives supplier performance, and partners cross-functionally to support production, engineering, and quality objectives. The Purchasing Manager ensures compliance with industry regulations, customer requirements, and company policies while fostering strategic supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with business and production requirements.

• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to achieve cost, quality, and delivery objectives.

• Establish long-term agreements (LTAs) and contracts with key suppliers to secure supply chain continuity.

• Monitor supplier performance metrics (on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness) and drive corrective actions when needed.

• Manage supplier risk, ensuring compliance with AS9100/ISO standards and other aerospace regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Buyers and Procurement Specialists.

• Set departmental goals and KPIs aligned with company objectives.

• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.

Operational Excellence

• Partner with Material Planning, Production, Engineering, and Quality to ensure material availability for production schedules.

• Optimize ERP/MRP purchasing parameters to balance inventory levels and lead time requirements.

• Implement cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, value engineering, and supply chain efficiency.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in procurement processes and policies.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with customer flow-down requirements, FAR/DFARS clauses, and ITAR/EAR export regulations, and CPSR policies and procedures.

• Support internal and external audits related to purchasing and supplier management.

• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks (capacity, geopolitical, financial, or single-source).

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field required.

• APICS/CPIM, CPSM, or PMP certification preferred.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within the aerospace or defense industry.

• Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing supply chains, regulatory requirements, and supplier qualification processes.

• Proven experience in contract negotiation, cost reduction, and supplier development.

Skills

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, IFS, or similar).

• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

• Ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence decision-making.

• Excellent leadership and team development capabilities.

Performance Metrics

• Supplier on-time delivery performance.

• Achievement of cost savings/avoidance goals.

• Inventory turns and material availability to support production.

• Supplier quality performance and compliance audit results.

• Team performance and employee engagement.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.