Principal Subcontracts Manager

About the role

Reports to the Director, Supply Chain. Part of the Supply Chain department. Full-time, on‑site position. Provides strategic leadership in establishing, executing and maturing Crystal Group's subcontract management function within a defense electronics manufacturing environment. Builds the standards, governance, and compliance infrastructure required to flow down prime contract requirements to the supply base and manage subcontractor performance within that infrastructure and an approved purchasing system. Positions the organization for future growth, evolving customer requirements, and long‑term business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead Crystal Group's long-term subcontracting strategy, standards, and governance structures, including the processes, documentation practices, and organizational capabilities required to support business growth and Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) readiness.
• Lead high-value, complex supplier and subcontractor negotiations and long-term agreements, structuring commercial terms and contract types that minimize business risk while supporting cost competitiveness and delivery performance.
• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on subcontract compliance, including FAR/DFARS flow-down requirements, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (TCPD, formerly TINA), counterfeit parts prevention, DPAS-rated order administration, and export control considerations in supplier relationships.
• Advise senior leadership on acquisition strategies, supplier partnerships, contractual risk, and regulatory compliance. Evaluate emerging acquisition requirements, regulatory changes, and industry trends to keep subcontracting strategies aligned with evolving business needs.
• Establish enterprise subcontracting metrics, analytics, and supplier performance frameworks that provide leadership visibility into business performance, supplier risk, and organizational readiness.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Program Management, and Contracts leadership to shape supplier strategies that support product innovation, sourcing resilience, and program execution.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve supplier performance, collaboration, and governance, and drive continuous improvement of subcontracting processes, tools, and analytics.
• Act as mentor and technical resource to subcontracts, purchasing, and supply chain staff, strengthening organizational capability and decision-making.
• Serve on pursuit teams for business opportunities with subcontract content, including strategy development, identifying and vetting subcontractors, and managing subcontractor proposals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of supplier strategy, contract law and contract structures, global sourcing, complex negotiation, and risk management within a government contracting environment.
• Working command of the regulatory environment governing defense subcontracting, including FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, DPAS (15 CFR Part 700), and counterfeit electronic parts prevention requirements.
• Strong strategic planning, enterprise-level negotiation, financial and operational analysis, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership, lead enterprise initiatives, anticipate and mitigate risk, and communicate complex strategies effectively.
• Expert-level knowledge of program management fundamentals, with a proven track record of successful application on defense programs.
• Demonstrated ability to build, mature, and scale business capabilities including governance frameworks, business processes, and operating models in support of organizational growth and strategic objectives.
• Ability to anticipate future business requirements and translate them into sustainable operational strategies and organizational capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or Engineering; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in subcontracts, strategic sourcing, or supplier management, in defense, aerospace, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• 10+ years