Purchasing Manager

About the Organization Mettle Ops is a woman-owned business experienced in defense program management, federal acquisitions, business development, engineering, analysis, reporting, and risk management with the mission of helping soldiers survive on the battlefield. Through transparency and grit, Mettle Ops delivers multidisciplinary, comprehensive Department of Defense engineering solutions to government and industry partners on a national scale with a mission to build business based on a philosophy of hard work and dedication.

Mettle Ops believes they have a high obligation to the warfighter, their home state of Michigan, their customers, their employees, their faith, and their place on this earth. Mettle Ops is inspired by courage and tenacity and so-named Mettle Ops.

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading domestic and international procurement activities, managing supplier relationships, sourcing strategies, and purchasing operations to ensure materials, equipment, and services are procured efficiently and cost-effectively in support of company programs and operations.

The ideal candidate will possess strong strategic sourcing and supply chain management experience, with the ability to support complex procurement requirements in both domestic and international environments.

• Develop and execute procurement strategies to support company operations and program requirements.
• Source, negotiate, and manage suppliers for materials, equipment, and services.
• Establish and maintain relationships with domestic and international vendors, freight forwarders, and logistics providers.
• Lead supplier negotiations involving pricing, lead times, contracts, payment terms, and service agreements.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulations, including FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and EAR as applicable.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Collaborate with Program Management, Engineering, Production, and Operations teams to forecast procurement requirements and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Coordinate international purchasing activities and support import/export requirements when necessary.
• Develop contingency plans to address material shortages, transportation delays, and supply chain disruptions.
• Maintain procurement records, purchasing metrics, and reporting requirements.
• Support proposal efforts by obtaining pricing, lead times, and supplier commitments.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier consolidation, and process improvements.

• Office environment with occasional domestic and international travel as needed.
• Ability to support suppliers and operations across multiple time zones.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and contract administration experience.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, inventory planning, and supply chain management principles.
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally within a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required.

• Experience supporting government contracting and defense industry programs.
• Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and export compliance requirements.
• Experience managing international procurement activities and overseas supplier relationships.
• Previous experience supporting OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) operations, contingency environments, military installations, or remote project locations.
• Knowledge of international shipping, customs requirements, freight forwarding, and import/export documentation.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or CPM.
• Experience with foreign vendors, international logistics coordination, and multi-currency purchasing environments.

Knowledge: gained through college education proven by their diploma, learned through applicable company trainings proven with training completion certificates

Basic Skill Requirements: documented in employee’s resume, proven by their acquisition of a college degree

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Salary $108,000 - $112,000