Senior Subcontracts Leader – Defense, CPSR Ready

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

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.