Strategic Purchasing Analyst Principal - Mechanical
About The Position
The Strategic Purchasing Analyst Principal supports Category Management by providing analytical, market, and supplier insights to drive cost, risk, performance, and supply continuity improvements across assigned categories within a regulated aerospace and defense environment. This individual contributor role partners closely with the Category Manager to execute category strategies through disciplined, end-to-end sourcing activities, including data-driven decision support, sourcing execution, supplier evaluation and selection, and complex commercial negotiations. The position has no direct reports and does not perform purchase order or transactional buying activities. All responsibilities are carried out in compliance with FAR/DFARS and applicable company policies. The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution – from strategic capital investments, industrial operations and an efficient supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing and test operations and top-notch facilities management. The Integrated Supply Chain team has a direct impact on program success, acting as a critical chain that links the end-to-end material flow together. Our organization helps propel us forward and achieve true mission partnership.
Requirements
- BS/BA plus 6 or more years related experience.
- Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
- Previous strategic sourcing and negotiation experience.
- A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.
Nice To Haves
- Solid analytical skills with experience translating data into clear, decision-ready visuals.
- Ability to build effective relationships at all levels of the organization, using excellent interpersonal organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical engineering drawings and specifications.
- Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment.
- Experience with mechanical engineering, suppliers, or processes.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end competitive sourcing initiatives aligned to approved category strategies, including development and execution of RFI/RFP/RFQ processes, sourcing strategy definition (make/buy, competitive vs. sole source), and award recommendations.
- Drive cross-functional sourcing decisions by partnering with Engineering, Quality, Program, Legal, and Finance to ensure outcomes balance cost, quality, delivery, risk, and long-term supplier capability in a compliant and timely manner.
- Strong technical, mechanical acumen (i.e. CNC milling, wire EDM, tooling and fixturing, CMM inspection, plating, etc.) to identify gaps, onboard suppliers capable of fulfilling strategic initiatives, and align procurements with the most viable suppliers.
- Develop data-driven sourcing and supplier recommendations based on supplier evaluations, capability assessments, cost analyses, KPIs, and risk and market insights to support supplier selection and category strategy execution aligned with business, program, and customer requirements.
- Lead and support complex commercial negotiations covering pricing, terms and conditions, lead times, escalation clauses, and long-term agreements, in partnership with Legal and Contracts to ensure FAR/DFARS compliance and required flow-downs.
- Document and govern negotiation activities and supplier performance by capturing negotiation strategies, outcomes, and rationale in accordance with audit standards, and by developing and maintaining supplier scorecards for on-time delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness.
- Execute all sourcing activities in full compliance with FAR, DFARS, and company procurement policies, ensuring appropriate flow-down of contractual and regulatory requirements to the supply base.
- Ensure proper documentation of sourcing decisions, cost/price analyses, negotiation memorandums, and supplier justification
- Support internal and external audits by providing sourcing documentation and rationale as required.
- Collaborate with Supplier Development, Quality, and Program teams to address supplier performance issues identified during sourcing or transition phases.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks (capacity, financial, geopolitical, regulatory) within the assigned category.
- Support dual-source and resiliency strategies as defined by the Category Manager.
- Serve as the primary sourcing interface for assigned programs and initiatives within the category.
- Provide regular updates to the Category Manager on sourcing project status, risks, and outcomes.
- Contribute data and insights to support category strategy refinement and long-term planning.
- Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
- Perform other duties as necessary.
Benefits
- health, dental, and vision insurance
- health savings accounts
- a 401(k) savings plan
- disability coverage
- life and accident insurance
- an employee assistance program
- a legal plan
- discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance
- paid time off
- paid holidays
- paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave
- Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards.
- Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
