Procurement Manager – Government Subcontracts

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space—delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Maintain hands-on leadership: visibility into key procurements while empowering your team to execute independently

Requirements

• 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)

Qualifications

• 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

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

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

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $127,100.00 - $190,600.00 annually. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Benefits

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• 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