Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary
Reporting to the Director of Supply Chain and working closely with Subcontracts, Operations, Finance, and Program Management, the Purchasing Manager will be responsible for managing the Production Purchasing team within the Business Unit organization as well as collaborating with other AV Business Units to leverage sourcing opportunities. You will be responsible for developing and implementing sourcing strategies to optimize costs, quality, and delivery performance. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to identify opportunities for cost savings, negotiate agreements, and manage supplier relationships. You will also be responsible for monitoring supplier performance and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.

Position Responsibilities

Manage Purchasing team through use of standard Supply Chain metrics and workflow management
Drive processes to successful completion in support on time purchase order placement & delivery of product
Use critical thinking skills to propose sound and innovative business solutions to increase operational efficiencies to insure business area and program success
Successfully operate with minimal oversight, yet readily recognize and escalate when assistance is required
Easily adapt to strategic and tactical tasks
Work in a cross-functional team-oriented environment
Have the capability to manage multiple conflicting priorities
Must be fully knowledgeable in public law and Truthful Cost or Pricing Data
Participate in supplier transition and readiness reviews
Develop strong relationship with suppliers and internal and external stakeholders
Attend and participate in meetings as Procurement representative as directed
Drive visibility and action into supply mis-alignments
Forward looking for trends, supplier risks, drop in demands, etc.
Analyze root causes to lead resolution to a permanent fix that will mitigate a repeat of material shortages
Responsible for developing and improving sourcing strategies to enhance price, quality, timing, and reliability outcomes
Present to senior leadership on supplier issues
The role will require the candidate to be experienced and knowledgeable in compliant procurement documentation to include well documented Cost/Price Analyses
Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field or equivalent combination of 8+ years of experience in Procurement or Subcontract Management in a Defense environment
3+ years of experience in a people leadership role
Strong negotiation skills and ability to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers
Understanding of material forecasting, leveraging of requirements, demand planning, materials management and quality assurance and systems in a production setting
Ability to problem solve and lead others in problem-solving activities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Management or Team Lead experience
Experience with Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSR)
Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision
Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant)
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$106,500 - $162,500

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required

AeroVironment

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Procurement Manager - Supply Chain