Purchasing Manager

Trust Automation, Inc.; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Trust Automation, Inc. is seeking a Purchasing Manager to lead procurement and subcontracting for a growing DoD-focused manufacturing operation in California. You will manage a team of buyers, drive supplier performance, and ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS in all purchases and subcontracts.

The role demands strong negotiation, analytics, ERP/MRP proficiency, and the ability to scale operations while maintaining audit readiness and cost effectiveness for government contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Strong knowledge of procurement practices for DoD programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead all purchasing and subcontracting activities in support of government-related or commercial manufacturing programs.
• Ensure FAR/DFARS compliance in all purchase orders and subcontracts.
• Review and approve purchase orders, subcontracts, modifications, and supplier agreements.
• Support proposals by providing pricing, lead times, and sourcing strategies.
• Manage supplier negotiations, cost-reduction initiatives, and long-term supply agreements.
• Ensure audit readiness and traceability in government requirements.
• Identify and manage suppliers meeting DoD quality and security standards.
• Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement across procurement and subcontracting functions.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

FAR/DFARS compliance

Education

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

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Trust Automation is an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce, personnel with competencies and experience related to the regional and State population. Every employee has an 'at-will' relationship with Trust Automation. This means that employment with Trust Automation is at the mutual consent of the employer and the employee and is subject to termination by either party at will, with or without cause or advance notice.

Job Summary

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing all procurement and subcontracting activities in support of a rapidly growing manufacturing operation serving the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), government contractors, as well as commercial customers. This role ensures timely, compliant, and cost-effective acquisition of materials, components, and services while meeting all applicable government contracting requirements. The Purchasing Manager will lead a team of buyers and subcontract specialists, drive supplier performance, and ensure full compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead all purchasing and subcontracting activities in support of government-related or commercial manufacturing programs.
• Work concurrently with the compliance team to ensure FAR, DFARS, and flow-down requirements in all purchase orders and subcontracts.
• Review and approve purchase orders, subcontracts, modifications, and supplier agreements.
• Support proposal and estimating activities by providing pricing, lead times, and sourcing strategies.
• Manage supplier negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and long-term supply agreements.
• Ensure proper documentation, audit readiness, and traceability in accordance with government requirements.
• Identify, qualify, and manage suppliers capable of meeting DoD quality, security, and compliance standards.
• Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and compliance.
• Address supplier nonconformances and drive corrective actions in coordination with Quality and Engineering.
• Support supplier risk management and continuity planning.
• Implement systems and processes to support rapid growth and increased government contract volume.
• Leverage ERP/MRP systems to improve purchasing efficiency, visibility, and controls.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and subcontracting functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if applicable)

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of buyers and subcontract specialists.
• Assign workloads, set performance goals, and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Establish best practices, standard work, and procurement policies to support scaling operations.
• Foster collaboration across Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Contracts, and Program Management.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with government contracts, including FAR and DFARS compliance.
• Prior experience managing buyers and/or subcontract specialists.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supporting DoD or other federal government customers.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office tools.
• This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver's License and clean driving record.
• May participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your identity.

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with DCMA/DCAA audits and government compliance reviews.
• CPSM, CPIM, or similar professional certification.
• Experience scaling procurement organizations during periods of rapid growth.

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person, on the telephone or virtually.
• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator or assemble/manufacture intricate items.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials.
• Sitting or standing for extended period of time.
• Physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height.
• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.

Pay/Salary Information

$138,000.00 - $150,000 annually