Materials Program Manager I

Kratos Unmanned Systems; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Unmanned Systems is seeking a Materials Program Manager in Oklahoma City. The role involves managing purchasing activities for assigned programs, ensuring effective supplier strategies, and monitoring performance metrics.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree and 2–5 years of experience in Supplier Management or related fields, with strong project management and negotiation skills. The position may require some domestic travel and offers a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years experience in Supplier Management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• May meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Experience with Lean/Six Sigma Certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Managing purchasing activities for assigned programs.
• Developing and maintaining performance metrics.
• Tracking, monitoring, and controlling inventory.

Skills

Project management

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Supply chain processes

Microsoft Office

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

The Materials Program Manager (MPM) is responsible for managing purchasing activities for assigned programs, including strategic product and supplier strategies. The MPM manages the relationships between the program office(s) and the procurement organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Monitors performance metrics and provides reports to Program Managers.
• Develops and maintains assigned performance metrics and provides reports as required.
• Tracks, monitors, and controls inventory for assigned programs.
• Provides input to the program EAC reviews including purchasing risks and opportunities.
• Works intimately with Program Scheduling and Production Planning to develop and track procurement schedule and milestones.
• Produces weekly status reports and action items for the Procurement Manager and supporting Program Managers as required; recommends solutions for materials shortages and/or strategies related to program milestones and objectives.
• Supports the MPM II with analyzing quotes from different suppliers and supports negotiation for best price and delivery schedule to meet program plan.
• Supports proposal reviews, EAC reviews, and program reviews. During proposal activities, helps MPM II develop Purchasing Basis of Estimates (BOEs).
• Additional tasks and other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES – REQUIRED

• Maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
• Interact effectively with peers, supervisors, public, suppliers, and customers.
• Adhere to workplace rules.
• Communicate professionally, in writing or verbally, with all levels of personnel.
• Prioritize tasks and manage time wisely in a fast‑paced environment.
• Analyze data, business, and program strategies to reach accurate conclusions.
• Think analytically and produce accurate analysis, applying good judgment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of supply chain processes and related systems, subcontract management, logistics, and asset management.
• Strong project management skills, including converting Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) activities into discrete supply chain tasks.
• History in cost reduction and bidding techniques to maximize value.
• Negotiate with suppliers.
• Knowledge of the teaming agreement process.
• Purchase techniques including strategic supplier concepts.
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Negotiation skills and ability to drive solutions through an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
• Convert business area and customer requirements into executable strategies.
• Risk management methodologies and problem‑solving techniques.
• Working knowledge of customer flow through requirements such as FAR/DFARS, ITAR, offset, FCPA, quality and warranty clauses.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project) and ERP/MRP systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES – PREFERRED

• Lean/Six Sigma Certification (Green or Black Belt).
• Subcontracts Management, minimum 3 years of direct experience.
• Earned Value Management Systems experience.
• Familiarity with CINCOM.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE – REQUIRED

• Bachelor\’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering.
• 2–5 years experience in Supplier Management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Basic understanding of proposal purchasing activities.
• Basic understanding of developing and managing program budgets.
• Strong computer skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• May be required to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information (requires US citizenship).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE – PREFERRED

• Materials Program Manager Certification preferable.
• Market knowledge of, and experience with, Aerospace and Defense industry.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Primarily works in an office environment; may infrequently conduct work or attend/hold meetings in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, writing, phones).
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with safety guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Up to 25% domestic travel may be required.