Strategic Purchasing Manager I

About the Role

SMS is seeking a strategic and technically astute Electronics Commodity Manager I to manage complex procurement activities, driving strategic supplier partnerships to secure high-quality electronic components at competitive costs. This role blends deep expertise in electronic components (semiconductors, electromechanical parts) with expert-level negotiation, ERP proficiency, and proactive supply chain management to support production requirements and new product introductions. The position is category-specific, focused on Electronic Components, and supports internal customers on assigned projects to ensure spend leverage, resource utilization, best value, and improved supplier performance for the SMS sector.

The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit enables efficient business and program execution through strategic capital investments, industrial operations, supply chain management, manufacturing, test operations, and facilities management. The Integrated Supply Chain team directly impacts program success by linking end-to-end material flow.

Responsibilities

• Manage team members who perform daily processing of purchase requisitions for internal customers.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for complex electronics commodities (e.g., active/passive components, semiconductors, and integrated circuits).
• Partner with NPI (New Product Introduction) and Engineering teams during the product design phase to optimize BOM targets, select viable alternatives, and ensure early supplier involvement.
• Lead high-level negotiations with suppliers, securing favorable pricing, lead times, inventory consignment, and volume discount agreements.
• Organize technical data, develop statements of work, delivery schedules, milestone payments, terms and conditions, offset requirements, and other contractual elements into cohesive proposals.
• Review technical and pricing proposals for accuracy and consistency; develop supplier strategies and make recommendations based on financial and business risk analysis.
• Develop contractual language to ensure compliance with BAE Systems legal terms and conditions; negotiate low-risk business terms.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the company and suppliers for contractual matters, including proprietary information agreements, teaming, and other business agreements.
• Proactively manage material risks such as PCN (Product Change Notification) and EOL (End of Life); implement strategies to prevent counterfeit components and ensure continuity of supply.
• Use ERP/MRP systems to forecast demand, set safety stock levels, and coordinate production schedules to prevent stockouts or excess inventory.
• Evaluate and monitor vendor performance through scorecards (On-Time Delivery, Quality, responsiveness) and drive root-cause corrective actions.
• Document procurement files in accordance with policies to demonstrate consideration of all factors essential to effective and economical procurement.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units, and the company.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree plus 8 or more years of related experience. Each higher-level degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from an accredited institution recognized by the US Secretary of Education.
• Willingness and eligibility to obtain a security clearance or access with Polygraph, if required by program after an offer is accepted.

Preferred Skills

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Self-starter with excellent leadership skills.
• Demonstrated experience as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Electronic (EEE) components.
• Solid working knowledge of U.S. import/export regulations and tariff classifications.
• Experience with U.S. export controls (EAR/ITAR) and dual-use technology classification.
• Experience supervising at least one direct report or junior team member.
• Experience with FAR procurements.
• High level of motivation, attention to detail, and positive attitude.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Tariff intelligence and regulatory monitoring.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).
• Technically knowledgeable with the ability to grasp detailed concepts.
• High degree of organizational skills and attention to detail.

Schedule

This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.

Pay

Full-Time Salary Range: $118,747 - $201,870. Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications such as skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings accounts.
• A 401(k) savings plan.
• Disability coverage and life and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program and legal plan.
• Perks including discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and applicable federal and state sick leave.
• Company recognition program with monetary or non-monetary awards.
• Other incentives may be available based on position level and job specifics.