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Purchasing Manager

San Luis Obispo, California

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

We are seeking a highly experienced and compliance-driven Purchasing Manager – Government & Defense Programs to lead and oversee all procurement activities supporting government and defense contracts. This role is responsible for managing a team of buyers, establishing procurement strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving supplier performance across approved and qualified vendors. 

The Purchasing Manager will ensure full adherence to FAR/DFARS, ITAR, cybersecurity requirements, and internal controls while balancing cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk mitigation. This position partners closely with executive leadership, program management, engineering, quality, finance, and manufacturing to support mission-critical program execution in a highly regulated environment. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Procurement Leadership 

  • Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with government contract requirements and organizational objectives. 
  • Lead sourcing strategy within the Approved Vendor List (AVL) while overseeing supplier qualification and onboarding processes. 
  • Establish make/buy strategies in collaboration with engineering and operations. 
  • Drive long-term supplier partnerships to ensure capacity, capability, and compliance. 

Team Management & Development 

  • Manage, mentor, and develop a team of buyers and procurement professionals. 
  • Set performance expectations, monitor KPIs, and conduct performance evaluations. 
  • Ensure team adherence to internal policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements. 
  • Foster a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement. 

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight 

  • Ensure procurement activities comply with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, Buy American, flow-down clauses, and cybersecurity requirements (e.g., CMMC/NIST where applicable). 
  • Maintain audit-ready procurement documentation in support of DCMA, DCAA, and customer audits. 
  • Oversee purchase order quality, contractual accuracy, and proper flow-down requirements. 
  • Implement counterfeit parts prevention and supply chain risk mitigation strategies. 

Supplier Performance & Risk Management 

  • Oversee supplier performance metrics (OTD, quality, responsiveness, cost control). 
  • Lead escalation and resolution of supplier nonconformances and corrective actions. 
  • Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies. 
  • Support capacity planning and material availability to meet production and program schedules. 

Financial & Contractual Accountability 

  • Oversee cost and price analysis to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. 
  • Lead supplier negotiations, long-term agreements, and contract modifications. 
  • Partner with finance to support forecasting, budget adherence, and working capital optimization. 
  • Review and approve high-value purchase orders and subcontract agreements. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

  • Partner with engineering and quality to ensure technical and quality compliance. 
  • Support program management with procurement status reporting, risk assessments, and recovery plans. 
  • Collaborate with manufacturing to align procurement execution with production schedules.
  • Provide executive-level reporting on supplier performance, cost trends, and risk exposure. 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field. 
  • 10+ years of procurement experience in a government defense contracting environment, or similar. 
  • 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience. 
  • Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government contract compliance requirements. 
  • Demonstrated experience managing Approved Vendor Lists (AVL) and supplier qualification processes. 
  • Proven experience leading negotiations, cost/price analysis, and contract review. 
  • Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Unanet, SAP, Oracle, or similar). 

  • Strong analytical capability with advanced Microsoft Excel skills. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting aerospace or defense manufacturing environments. 
  • MBA preferred. 
  • Familiarity with AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality systems. 
  • Experience working directly with DCMA and DCAA. 
  • Knowledge of supply chain cybersecurity compliance and counterfeit parts prevention. 
  • Experience implementing procurement process improvements or ERP transformations. 
  • CPSM, CPIM, or related professional certification. 

  • Active or previously held security clearance. 

Key Competencies:

  • Strategic thinker with strong operational execution capability. 
  • Compliance-first mindset with high ethical standards. 
  • Strong leadership presence and team development capability. 
  • Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills. 
  • Ability to manage high-risk, high-visibility government programs. 
  • Strong decision-making under schedule and regulatory pressure. 
  • Results-oriented with a high degree of ownership and accountability. 

Pay range for this role

$125,000 - $155,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits: 

  • Competitive total compensation package 
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match 
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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