Procurement Specialist

XSTAR Aviation•Shreveport, LA

About The Position

The Procurement Specialist at XStar Aviation is responsible for managing sourcing strategies, purchasing activities, and supplier relationships to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and high-quality acquisition of goods and services. This role plays a critical part in supporting both internal business operations and mission-driven outcomes for government customers. Working cross-functionally with program managers, finance, and operational teams, the Procurement Specialist ensures procurement activities align with XStar's strategic objectives, compliance requirements, and performance expectations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of balancing day-to-day procurement execution with strategic sourcing initiatives in a dynamic, mission-focused environment. This position directly contributes to operational readiness by aligning procurement strategies with mission requirements, business objectives, and evolving program needs.

Requirements

3–6 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain management.
Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships and executing purchase orders in a professional environment.
Experience negotiating pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers.
Working knowledge of procurement processes, contract administration, and inventory management.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess pricing, market conditions, and supplier performance.
Experience using procurement, ERP, or financial systems to manage purchasing activities.
Ability to coordinate across cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, and program management.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
U.S. Citizen required

Nice To Haves

Background in aviation, aerospace, or mission-driven operations.
Experience with strategic sourcing, spend analysis, and supplier performance management.
Prior experience supporting program or project managers in a government or mission-focused setting.
Familiarity with contract types (e.g., fixed price, cost-reimbursable) and compliance requirements.
Experience implementing procurement process improvements, audits, or system enhancements.
Knowledge of risk management practices in supply chain and vendor operations.
Exposure to startup or high-growth environments, demonstrating adaptability and initiative.
Professional certifications such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), CPM, or equivalent.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (Preferred)

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing, quality performance, and reliable delivery.
Source and procure goods and services that meet organizational requirements for cost, quality, and timeliness.
Conduct market research and analyze industry trends, demand signals, and pricing benchmarks to inform strategic sourcing decisions.
Evaluate, negotiate, and administer contracts in accordance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
Manage purchase orders, track delivery schedules, reconcile invoices, and coordinate closely with finance and internal stakeholders.
Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment to maintain operational continuity.
Assess supplier performance, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to minimize supply chain disruptions.
Provide real-time feedback and procurement insights to program and project managers to support effective decision-making.
Develop an understanding of XStar's business model, internal processes, and key systems to effectively execute procurement responsibilities.
Apply knowledge of product/service maturity and mission requirements to advise on appropriate sourcing strategies (e.g., mission model canvas alignment).
Support continuous improvement initiatives, including procurement process optimization, audits, and adoption of new tools and technologies.