Purchasing Team Lead - Military veterans preferred

Job Summary:  

The Purchasing Team Lead is responsible for managing the procurement of goods and services in support of Defense Maritime Solutions (DMS) programs. This role ensures that supplier sourcing, negotiations, and contract management activities are aligned with U.S. government regulations, DMS compliance requirements, and customer expectations. The position provides leadership to the purchasing team, drives supplier performance, and ensures procurement processes support organizational strategy and sustainability objectives. 

Accountabilities:  

• Manage the purchasing function to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant procurement of goods and services.
• Lead, mentor, and develop purchasing staff to build team capability and accountability.
• Oversee requisition-to-purchase order processing, ensuring pricing, lead times, and documentation accuracy.
• Maintain supplier and parts master data in ERP (Deltek CostPoint), ensuring consistency and integrity.
• Monitor supplier performance and coordinate corrective actions in alignment with DMS standards and government requirements.
• Support vendor audit programs and ensure non-conformities are addressed.

Daily Activities:  

• Supervise day-to-day purchasing operations and workload distribution.
• Review and approve purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and related documentation.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers under established policies and within delegated authority.
• Track open orders, supplier on-time delivery, and other performance metrics; escalate issues as needed.
• Expedite materials and services to meet program and facility requirements.
• Collaborate with Program Management, Engineering, and Logistics to ensure material availability and compliance with specifications.
• Support compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and DMS internal controls.

Skills: 

• Negotiation – Secure favorable terms with suppliers while maintaining strong relationships.
• Critical Thinking – Apply judgment in evaluating suppliers, pricing, and contract terms.
• Leadership – Guide and motivate purchasing team members to achieve results.
• Time Management – Balance multiple procurement priorities and deadlines.
• Active Listening – Ensure effective communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

General Knowledge:  

• Procurement and Sourcing – Best practices in competitive bidding, supplier evaluation, and contract management.
• Government Contracting – Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and related requirements.
• Economics and Accounting – Understanding of cost structures, pricing analysis, and financial reporting.
• Administration and Management – Skills in planning, leadership, and resource allocation.
• Computers and Electronics – Proficiency in ERP systems (Deltek CostPoint preferred) and Microsoft Office suite.

Working Style:  

• Dependability – Reliable, responsible, and accountable.
• Integrity – Honest and ethical decision-making.
• Adaptability/Flexibility – Open to change and capable of handling varied tasks.
• Stress Tolerance – Maintain composure under pressure.
• Initiative – Proactively identify and solve problems.

Education and Experience:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field with 7+ years procurement experience, or High School Diploma with 10+ years purchasing leadership experience. (CPSM a plus)
• Direct experience with U.S. government contracting and defense supplier requirements. 
• Experience leading purchasing teams, managing supplier/subcontractor performance and negotiating agreements.
• In-depth understanding of ERP systems (Deltek/Costpoint experience a plus).
• Proficient in current computer software (MS Applications, PowerPoint, Word, Excel).
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

American With Disabilities Specifications – General Requirements of Employment 

The physical demands and environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions.  

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities may be required by the job to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.