Purchasing Manager

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

HSA

Job summary

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. in San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a Purchasing Manager to lead procurement, negotiate contracts, and optimize cost, quality, delivery, and supplier reliability in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

The role requires deep experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams. This on-site position offers comprehensive benefits and opportunities for leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years in purchasing/procurement in manufacturing.
• 3–5 years of leadership/management experience.
• Aerospace/defense/manufacturing regulatory exposure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with production schedules and customer requirements.
• Lead sourcing for aerospace materials, components, and services.
• Establish strategic supplier relationships and negotiate terms and long-term agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive cost savings, quality, and delivery improvements.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and procurement spend; report to leadership.

Skills

Strategic Purchasing

Supplier Management

Contract Negotiation

Budget Management

Leadership

ERP/MRP

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Purchasing Manager

JobSummary:

The Purchasing Manageris responsible forleading and managing all procurement and sourcing activities for the organization. This role develops and executespurchasingstrategies that ensure thetimelyacquisition of materials, components, equipment, and servicesrequiredto support aerospace manufacturing operations. The Purchasing Manager oversees supplier performance, negotiates contracts, manages procurement budgets, and drives continuous improvement initiatives tooptimizecost, quality, delivery, and supplier reliability.

This position exercises independent judgment and discretion in managing procurement activities, supplier relationships, contract negotiations, andpurchasingstrategies that directlyimpactbusiness operations and financial performance.

Required Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies that support organizationalobjectives, production schedules, and customer requirements.
• Lead sourcing activities for aerospace materials, components, raw materials, capital equipment, and services.
• Establish andmaintainstrategic 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 supplierselection, 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 toidentifyopportunities for cost reduction, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Direct inventorypurchasingstrategies to support production requirements whileoptimizinginventory 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.

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of procurement principles, strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, materials, and supply chain requirements.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems and aerospace industry regulations.
• Strong analytical, financial, and business acumen.
• Proven ability to negotiate favorable supplier agreements and drive measurable cost savings.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiencywith ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experienceutilizingprocurement metrics, KPIs, and supplier performance management tools.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervisespurchasingpersonnel and related procurement staff.
• Responsible for hiring, training, performance evaluations, coaching, disciplinary actions, and employee development.
• Establishes departmental goals,objectives, and performance expectations.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based within a manufacturing environment.
• Frequent interaction with suppliers, customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Occasional travelrequiredfor supplier visits, audits, trade shows, and business meetings.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:

• Health & Wellness:Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off:Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hoursaccruedplus anadditional40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
• Life Insurance:$25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with theoptiontopurchaseadditionalcoverage for employees and their families.
• Supplemental Coverage:Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA):Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings:401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Paid Holidays:Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment:A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal Location:Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview:

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize incutting-edgesystem design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities whilemaintainingthe highest standards of engineering services.

AtESAero, wedon’tjust build products, we engineer solutions that propel

the aerospace industry forward.

This position is fully on-site atESAeroin San Luis Obispo, CA

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ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participationrequiredfor employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass background checkand drug test.
PayRange:$105,000 - $135,000Salary/Exempt