Direct Sourcing Manager

About the Role

Support and coordinate activities involving the Engineering, Operations, Customer Service, and Procurement teams in preparing Request for Quotes (RFQs), negotiating contracts, and managing suppliers involved in direct materials/services. Ensure material availability integral to supporting electronic component manufacturing or other assigned categories. Manage processes, create efficiencies, and control costs using ERP systems and software tools. This on-site position, with some hybrid flexibility, is located at our headquarters in Oak Creek, WI, and reports directly to the Senior Manager, Procurement.

Responsibilities

• Follow a structured negotiation process to conduct supplier negotiations and contracting.
• Nurture supplier partnerships, track KPIs and goals, and monitor scorecards to measure and evaluate supplier performance.
• Ensure PO backup documentation compliance.
• Evaluate, select, develop, aggregate spending, support sourcing efforts, and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure a reliable supply of materials.
• Study market intelligence and conduct frequent market analysis and benchmarking to anticipate price fluctuations.
• Prepare and administer bids, proposals, and commercial and government contracts that follow company policies and legal requirements.
• Ensure contracts are administered and monitored to maintain compliance with the terms of agreements.
• Create strategic supplier management programs, emphasizing collaborative supplier relationships that control costs, manage risk, and support compliance.
• Develop and sustain relationships with critical suppliers by communicating and conducting regular reviews of status and issues.
• Lead multifunctional teams in developing specifications, statements of work, and terms and conditions, including procuring engineered products, capital equipment, and assigned categories.
• Define the escalation paths and methods to resolve problems.
• Analyze and evaluate proposals and negotiate long-term pricing agreements.
• Negotiate commercial terms.
• Analyze complex data to identify sourcing opportunities and drive cost savings in assigned categories.
• Research market dynamics, cost drivers, historical spend, and industry trends to enhance negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with pricing, payment terms, volume commitments, rebates, etc.
• Manage key supplier performance goals and objectives consistent with procurement department goals.
• Provide clear and actionable feedback to encourage cooperation and drive continuous improvement in supplier performance.
• Leverage economies of scale to best meet the purchasing needs of the business in terms of cost, quality, and supplier ability.
• Participate as a key interface with the Program Management team and cross-functional teams.
• Assist with the development of procurement policies, procedures, and forms.
• Work with integrated product teams (IPT) during the introduction of new products to ensure procurement is involved early in the process.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, finance, or other related field from an accredited institution, or similar relevant work experience.
• Minimum three years of experience in a procurement leadership role.
• Government Procurement experience including FAR/DFAR.
• Strong understanding of the contract life cycle and types of contracts.
• Eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Experienced in ERP navigation (IFS preferred).
• Purchase Order justification and documentation experience.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Experience in an AS9100/ISO-9001 certified environment.
• Experience with FAA certified product development and manufacturing.
• Experience reviewing drawings, statements of work (SOWs), and engineering/procurement specifications.
• CPM or CPSM certification.

About Us

Astronautics designs computers, displays, and electronic systems for aircraft of the future. We are a creative group of professionals working on the cutting-edge of technology, offering competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment. Headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Astronautics is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of secure avionics equipment and systems for the commercial and military aerospace industry. Key product areas include electronic primary flight and engine displays, connected aircraft and cyber solutions, electronic flight bags, and certified servers for airborne applications. Services include avionics system integration and custom software for critical applications. Since its founding in 1959, Astronautics has provided trusted, reliable, and tailored solutions to help customers achieve mission success.

Benefits

We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative environment.