Procurement Manager – Government Subcontracts at The Aerospace Corporation — El Segundo, CA

The Aerospace Supply Chain organization is seeking a procurement leader with deep government subcontracts buying experience to build, develop, and lead the Government Direct Charge Subcontracts team. This leadership role requires a proven manager who can balance strategic vision with hands-on mentorship while navigating the complexities of FAR/DFARS-based aerospace procurement. You will lead a team responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the full lifecycle of government-funded subcontracts, from supplier identification and competitive sourcing through contract award and supplier performance management, driving operational excellence while developing talent in a fast-paced R&D environment. Our Supply Chain organization oversees all aspects of procurement for the entire corporation, providing the opportunity to be part of a diverse team that purchases a wide range of capital, indirect, and government-funded products and services—including IT, specialized equipment, facilities services, as well as engineering, design, and construction.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and develop a team of procurement professionals, providing coaching, mentorship, and career development to build organizational capability
• Oversee end-to-end procurement activities including supplier identification, competitive sourcing, proposal evaluation, negotiation, and supplier relationship management
• Drive strategic initiatives for the Government Direct Charge Subcontracts portfolio, establishing best practices and process improvements across the team
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships with engineering, finance, and legal to align procurement strategies with business objectives
• Provide expert oversight on FAR/DFARS procurements, ensuring regulatory compliance while enabling mission success
• Lead sourcing strategies and guide the team in supplier selection, negotiation tactics, and deployment of appropriate contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M, hybrids) for unique program requirements
• Manage organizational priorities, balancing team workload, stakeholder demands, and operational excellence in a dynamic aerospace environment
• Hands-on leadership: Maintain visibility into key procurements while empowering your team to execute independently

What You Need to be Successful

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business Administration, or related field
• 6+ years of progressive procurement/buying experience in FAR/DFARS Government Subcontracts within aerospace or defense R&D environments (not contracts administration alone)
• Demonstrated experience in supplier sourcing, competitive evaluations, negotiations, and supplier management under government regulations
• 3+ years of proven people leadership, including hiring, developing, and managing procurement professionals (not just project leadership)
• Deep understanding of government direct charge procurement processes, including FAR/DFARS compliance in fast-paced R&D settings
• Track record of building team capability, driving organizational change, and developing talent
• Strategic thinking: Ability to balance tactical execution with long-term organizational goals and process improvement
• Strong professional presence and ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)

How You Can Stand Out

• Master's degree in supply chain, Business Administration, or related field
• Subject matter expertise in FAR/DFARS with ability to guide teams through complex compliance scenarios
• 8+ years of aerospace procurement experience supporting government-funded R&D programs with complex, fast-turnaround buying requirements
• Proven negotiation skills with track record of achieving cost savings and favorable terms on government subcontracts
• Proven success recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding procurement talent
• Experience with SAP S4/Hana/ARIBA or similar source-to-pay systems
• CPCM, CPSM, CPPM, or similar procurement-focused professional certification

(Min - Max)

$127,100.00 - $190,600.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

Equal Opportunity Commitment