Manager I – Strategic Purchasing

Job Description
BAE Systems SMS is seeking a strategic and operationally strong Strategic Purchasing Manager I to manage complex procurement activities across multiple indirect categories, including Purchasing Card (P‑Card) administration, External Labor / Consultant sourcing, Business Services, and Logistics/Fleet. In this high‑level role, you will leverage deep knowledge of strategic procurement, supplier management, and compliance frameworks to optimize costs, strengthen supplier partnerships, and mitigate operational and financial risks in a dynamic environment.

The ideal candidate blends strong procurement expertise with team management, advanced negotiation skills, and proactive supply chain management to support enterprise operations, staffing requirements, and logistics/fleet continuity. This role will lead initiatives supporting SMS programs in indirect procurement and category management.

The position focuses on the management of multiple categories, including: Purchasing Card (P‑Card) administration, External Labor / Consultant sourcing, Business Services, and Logistics/Fleet. The role will apply broad strategic sourcing best practices across multiple areas of spend.

The successful candidate will lead a team of supply chain professionals in the management of these categories. They will support internal stakeholders by participating on cross‑functional project teams to help SMS leverage its total spend, utilize resources effectively, achieve best‑value outcomes, mitigate supply risks and improve supplier performance within the sector.

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 is a critical connector in the organization, linking end‑to‑end service and logistics flows to ensure alignment, continuity, and mission readiness.

What You’ll Do:

- Manage team members who perform all tasks associated with the daily processing of purchase requisitions for internal customers.
- Develop, mentor, and coach team members by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, fostering skill growth, and ensuring the team is equipped to meet evolving business needs.
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for indirect categories such as: Business Services, Logistics/Fleet programs, facility service providers, and external labor (contract workers, consultants, temporary staffing).
- Partner with Program Management, Operations, Manufacturing and other key stakeholders to forecast service requirements, and identify opportunities for supply chain to provide value‑driven solutions that meet the needs of the business.
- Lead and develop team members responsible for all daily tasks associated with P‑Card transaction processing, reconciliation, audit readiness, policy compliance, and internal customer support.
- Lead high‑impact negotiations with staffing agencies, service providers, fleet vendors, and logistics partners to secure competitive pricing, service‑level guarantees, flexible contracting options, and beneficial commercial terms.
- Aide in the organization of key information such as Statements of Work, service‑delivery requirements, KPIs, delivery schedules, milestone payments, and contractual terms into cohesive proposal packages.
- Review service and pricing proposals for accuracy and consistency; develop supplier‑specific strategies and provide recommendations to internal customers based on thorough financial and risk analysis.
- Draft and refine contractual language ensuring alignment with BAE Systems, Inc. standards. Negotiate business terms and conditions as required.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between SMS and suppliers for all contractual matters, including proprietary information agreements, service contracts, and supplemental business agreements.
- Identify and proactively manage category risks such as labor availability, service continuity, compliance gaps, logistics challenges, and supplier performance issues.
- Evaluate and monitor supplier performance using scorecards (e.g., On‑Time Service Delivery, Quality, Responsiveness), driving corrective action plans when necessary.
- Document procurement files in accordance with policies, and demonstrate that all key factors have been considered in achieving cost‑effective and compliant procurement decisions.
- 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.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

- Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree plus 8 or more years of 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.
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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.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, Microsoft Office experience to include Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Self-starter and excellent leadership skills.
- Demonstrated experience serving as a procurement SME, with specific experience sourcing: external labor, logistics/fleet needs, and managing P-Card transactions.
- Experience supervising at least one direct report or junior team member.
- Experience with FAR procurements.
- Exhibit high level of motivation, attention to detail, energetic approach and positive attitude to job duties and requirements.
- Excellent communication skills.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118747 - $201870

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including 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.
About BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Multiple positions may be available on this opening.