Strategic Procurement Lead - Defense & Aerospace

Whelan Machine; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Great benefits

Quarterly incentive pays

Job summary

Whelan Machine & Tool, LLC in Louisville, KY, is seeking a Procurement Manager to lead sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management for a defense manufacturing operation subject to DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC. You will collaborate with production planning, quality, engineering, and finance to ensure on-time delivery and compliant supplier performance, while managing ASL, vendor disputes, and P.O.

lifecycle. This role demands strong negotiation, ERP experience, and a commitment to audit readiness in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of procurement/purchasing experience in manufacturing.
• ERP system experience (NAV/Business Central or similar).
• Proficiency in Excel.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor management skills.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing & supplier management for raw materials, tooling, and outside processing.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and long-term agreements.
• Manage the purchase order lifecycle and ERP records.
• Monitor lead times, safety stock, and reorder points.
• Ensure compliance with DFARS/ITAR/EAR and audit-ready documentation.
• Collaborate with production planning, quality, engineering, and finance.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Supplier Management

ERP (NAV/BC)

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

NAV/Business Central

Job description

Whelan Machine & Tool, LLC in Louisville, KY, is seeking a Procurement Manager to lead sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management for a defense manufacturing operation subject to DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC. You will collaborate with production planning, quality, engineering, and finance to ensure on-time delivery and compliant supplier performance, while managing ASL, vendor disputes, and P.O.

lifecycle. This role demands strong negotiation, ERP experience, and a commitment to audit readiness in a