Principal Subcontracts Manager

Crystal Group; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness Programs

ESOP

On-Site Gym

Job summary

Crystal Group is seeking a Principal Subcontracts Manager to lead the strategic subcontracting function within a defense electronics manufacturing context. You will set governance, ensure CPSR readiness, and align subcontracting with growth and program objectives.

You will negotiate high-value supplier agreements, manage regulatory compliance (FAR/DFARS, TCPD, DPAS), and advise senior leadership on acquisition strategies and risk.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or engineering; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.
• 15+ years in subcontracts, strategic sourcing, or supplier management in defense/aerospace/manufacturing.
• 10+ years applying government acquisition policies (FAR/DFARS) including CPSR experience.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead long-term subcontracting strategy, governance, and CPSR readiness.
• Lead high-value supplier and subcontractor negotiations and long-term agreements.
• Serve as SME on subcontract compliance, including FAR/DFARS, TCPD, DPAS, and export controls.
• Advise leadership on acquisition strategies, regulatory changes, and supplier risk.
• Establish enterprise subcontracting metrics, analytics, and supplier performance frameworks.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Program Management, and Contracts to shape supplier strategies.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve supplier performance and governance.
• Mentor subcontracts, purchasing, and supply chain staff.
• Serve on pursuit teams for opportunities with subcontract content.

Skills

Subcontracts leadership

FAR/DFARS compliance

Strategic negotiations

CPSR experience

Supply chain strategy

Risk management

Contract law knowledge

Team mentoring

Education

B.S. in Supply Chain

MBA preferred

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Subcontracts Manager

Reports to: Director, Supply Chain

Department: Supply Chain

Work Model: Full-time, on-site

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm

Company & Benefit Information

At Crystal Group, we do hard things - designing and building rugged tech and tech solutions that provide predictable performance in the world's most unforgiving environments. As a 100% employee-owned company, here you take extreme ownership of your role and work and invest in your own success and that of your teammates. Together we use a zero limits approach to wow our customers.

Crystal Group Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package Including

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness programs
• Participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• On-Site Gym

Job Summary

Provides strategic leadership in establishing, executing and maturing Crystal Group's subcontract management function within a defense electronics manufacturing environment. Builds the standards, governance, and compliance infrastructure required to flow down prime contract requirements to the supply base and manage subcontractor performance within that infrastructure and an approved purchasing system. Position the organization for future growth, evolving customer requirements, and long-term business objectives.

Essential Functions

• Define and lead Crystal Group's long-term subcontracting strategy, standards, and governance structures, including the processes, documentation practices, and organizational capabilities required to support business growth and Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) readiness.
• Lead high-value, complex supplier and subcontractor negotiations and long-term agreements, structuring commercial terms and contract types that minimize business risk while supporting cost competitiveness and delivery performance.
• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on subcontract compliance, including FAR/DFARS flow-down requirements, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (TCPD, formerly TINA), counterfeit parts prevention, DPAS-rated order administration, and export control considerations in supplier relationships.
• Advise senior leadership on acquisition strategies, supplier partnerships, contractual risk, and regulatory compliance. Evaluate emerging acquisition requirements, regulatory changes, and industry trends to keep subcontracting strategies aligned with evolving business needs.
• Establish enterprise subcontracting metrics, analytics, and supplier performance frameworks that provide leadership visibility into business performance, supplier risk, and organizational readiness.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Program Management, and Contracts leadership to shape supplier strategies that support product innovation, sourcing resilience, and program execution.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve supplier performance, collaboration, and governance, and drive continuous improvement of subcontracting processes, tools, and analytics.
• Act as mentor and technical resource to subcontracts, purchasing, and supply chain staff, strengthening organizational capability and decision-making.
• Serve on pursuit teams for business opportunities with subcontract content, including strategy development, identifying and vetting subcontractors, and managing subcontractor proposals.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of supplier strategy, contract law and contract structures, global sourcing, complex negotiation, and risk management within a government contracting environment.
• Working command of the regulatory environment governing defense subcontracting, including FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, DPAS (15 CFR Part 700), and counterfeit electronic parts prevention requirements.
• Strong strategic planning, enterprise-level negotiation, financial and operational analysis, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership, lead enterprise initiatives, anticipate and mitigate risk, and communicate complex strategies effectively.
• Expert-level knowledge of program management fundamentals, with a proven track record of successful application on defense programs.
• Demonstrated ability to build, mature, and scale business capabilities including governance frameworks, business processes, and operating models in support of organizational growth and strategic objectives.
• Ability to anticipate future business requirements and translate them into sustainable operational strategies and organizational capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or Engineering; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in subcontracts, strategic sourcing, or supplier management, in defense, aerospace, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• 10+ years of experience applying government acquisition policies and procedures, including FAR/DFARS flow-downs, and providing strategic guidance on regulatory compliance, contractual risk, and acquisition strategy.
• Experience operating under an approved purchasing system (CPSR)
• Experience leading enterprise-level initiatives requiring significant cross-functional influence, change management, and strategic planning.
• Proven ability to establish long-term strategies and operating models that support organizational growth and evolving business requirements.
• Must be a US Person (US Citizen, person granted US Permanent Resident Card or any individual who is granted status as a "protected person").

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a manufacturing environment with consistent exposure to the manufacturing floor and testing environments. May require lifting up to 25 lbs and standing for extended periods of time.

EEO Statement

Crystal Group, Inc, maintains a program of equal employment opportunity designed to ensure that employment and advancement opportunities are made available to all employees and applicants on the basis of individual qualifications and without regard to race, religion, color, creed, national origin, disability, age, sex, genetic information, military status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Offer Contingency

All job offers are contingent on the applicant successfully completing the background check and drug screen.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other responsibilities as necessary. Employment with Crystal Group remains at-will.

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