Strategic Sourcing Manger
About The Role
Riverbend Energetics is seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead sourcing initiatives across critical material categories supporting our energetic components and detonator product lines. This high-impact role combines strategic supplier development with hands-on tactical execution — from negotiating long-term agreements to driving day-to-day procurement activities. The ideal candidate brings deep sourcing expertise in machined and fabricated metal parts, the ability to interpret engineering drawings and communicate technical requirements to suppliers, and a proven track record of delivering cost, quality, and supply continuity results in a regulated manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned material categories, with emphasis on machined and fabricated metal parts, specialty metals, electronic components, and other materials supporting energetic device production
Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T specifications, and technical requirements; translate them clearly to suppliers to ensure parts are sourced and produced to print
Lead supplier identification, qualification, and selection processes in compliance with DFARS, ITAR, and company quality requirements
Manage both strategic and tactical procurement activities — including RFQs, purchase orders, and supplier negotiations — to ensure uninterrupted supply
Negotiate long-term agreements, pricing structures, and contract terms that balance cost, quality, delivery, and supply continuity objectives
Conduct total cost of ownership analyses and identify cost reduction opportunities through value engineering, supplier consolidation, and process improvements
Monitor commodity market trends, pricing dynamics, and supply chain risks; develop mitigation strategies for critical materials
Manage supplier performance through scorecards, business reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives
Partner with Engineering on new product development sourcing and design-for-supply considerations
Maintain compliance with government procurement regulations and support internal and external audit requirements
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field
5+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management
Demonstrated experience sourcing machined parts, fabricated metal components, or related manufactured goods
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and material specifications to communicate requirements to suppliers
Proven success negotiating supplier contracts and achieving measurable cost reduction targets
Ability to operate effectively at both a strategic and tactical level — managing supplier strategy while executing day-to-day procurement activities
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel
Solid understanding of supplier quality management principles and supplier development methodologies
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
U.S. citizenship required; must be eligible to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in defense, aerospace, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment
Familiarity with DFARS, ITAR, and government contract flow-down requirements
APICS (CSCP or CPIM) or ISM (CPSM) certification
Experience sourcing energetic materials, electronic components, or specialty chemicals
MBA or advanced degree in a related field
Active Secret clearance
What We Offer
Competitive salary range of $100,000–$125,000 plus bonus, commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match
The opportunity to contribute directly to programs critical to U.S. national security
A collaborative environment where supply chain is recognized and valued as a strategic function
Professional development support, including certification assistance and tuition reimbursement
Key Requirements
Technical Drawing Literacy & Supplier Translation Ability: Riverbend produces precision energetic components and detonators where dimensional and material tolerances are safety-critical, not merely quality preferences. A sourcing manager who cannot read GD&T callouts or material specifications will either over-rely on Engineering as an intermediary — slowing procurement cycles — or risk sourcing parts that fail qualification, causing costly delays on defense programs with fixed delivery commitments. Regulated Environment & Compliance Discipline (DFARS/ITAR): Riverbend operates under U.S. defense contracts with mandatory DFARS and ITAR flow-down requirements, and energetic materials carry additional regulatory scrutiny. A sourcing manager who treats compliance as an afterthought creates legal exposure, audit findings, and potential program disqualification. In a 150-person company, there is no large compliance department to catch errors — the sourcing manager must be the first line of defense. Strategic-Tactical Duality — Executing Without Losing the Long View: At a 150-person defense contractor, the Strategic Sourcing Manager will not have a large team buffering them from transactional work. They must negotiate a long-term agreement in the morning and process urgent purchase orders in the afternoon. Candidates who are exclusively strategic thinkers will create bottlenecks; candidates who are exclusively tactical will never build the supplier base and cost structures Riverbend needs to scale. The ability to operate fluidly across both levels is genuinely rare and critical here. Machined & Fabricated Metal Sourcing Expertise with Total Cost Thinking: Energetic components and detonator hardware are predominantly precision machined and fabricated metal parts — often in specialty alloys with tight tolerances and traceability requirements. A sourcing manager who understands the economics of machine shops (setup costs, run rates, material yield, batch sizing) can negotiate meaningfully and identify real cost reduction levers. One who treats machined parts like commodity purchasing will leave significant value on the table and make poor supplier selection decisions. Supply Continuity Ownership Under Pressure: Energetic components feed defense programs with contractual delivery schedules tied to national security priorities. A supply disruption is not merely an operational inconvenience — it can trigger contract penalties, program delays, and damage to Riverbend's reputation as a reliable sole or limited-source supplier. The ideal candidate treats supply continuity as a personal accountability, not a logistics team problem, and has demonstrated the ability to anticipate, escalate, and resolve supply risks before they become crises.