Aerospace Purchasing Leader: Strategy & Sourcing

esaero; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

PTO 120 hours

Life Insurance

HSA

401(k) matching

Paid holidays

Casual work environment

Job summary

ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA is seeking a Purchasing Manager to lead all procurement activities for aerospace manufacturing. The role develops purchasing strategies, negotiates contracts, and drives supplier performance to optimize cost, quality, and delivery while maintaining compliance with AS9100 and regulations.

Responsibilities include leading supplier selection, managing budgets, and collaborating with Engineering and Manufacturing on new product development and ramp-ups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership or management experience.
• Aerospace, defense, aviation, or highly regulated manufacturing industry experience strongly preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies that support organizational objectives, production schedules, and customer requirements.
• Lead sourcing activities for aerospace materials, components, raw materials, capital equipment, and services.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, contracts, and long-term agreements to achieve cost savings and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Evaluate supplier performance through quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost metrics.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, and development efforts in collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management teams.
• Monitor market trends, supply chain risks, and material availability to proactively address potential disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace industry requirements, customer specifications, regulatory standards, and company policies.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and procurement spending plans.
• Analyze procurement data and metrics to identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Direct inventory purchasing strategies to support production requirements while optimizing inventory levels and working capital.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams during new product development and production ramp-up activities.
• Resolve complex supplier issues involving quality, delivery, pricing, or contractual disputes.
• Lead and develop purchasing staff, including performance management, coaching, training, and succession planning.
• Establish procurement policies, procedures, and best practices to support operational excellence.
• Participate in executive and operational planning activities related to capacity, forecasting, and supply chain strategy.
• Support customer audits, supplier audits, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Prepare and present procurement performance reports, supplier scorecards, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Skills

Procurement principles

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field

Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA is seeking a Purchasing Manager to lead all procurement activities for aerospace manufacturing. The role develops purchasing strategies, negotiates contracts, and drives supplier performance to optimize cost, quality, and delivery while maintaining compliance with AS9100 and regulations.

Responsibilities include leading supplier selection, managing budgets, and collaborating with Engineering and Manufacturing on new product development and ramp-ups.