Purchasing Manager San Luis Obispo

Overview

Trust Automation has over 35 years of experience in custom motors, linear drives, digital drives, and systems which meet the unique needs of its customers. Its product line includes motors, linear drives, digital drives, custom assemblies, and products to fit unique applications and ground-up system design and manufacturing solutions. We design, build and support control and power management systems for the most demanding defense, semiconductor, industrial automation, and medical applications.

Trust Automation is an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce. Every employee has an “at-will” relationship with Trust Automation. This means that employment with Trust Automation is at the mutual consent of the employer and the employee and is subject to termination by either party at will, with or without cause or advance notice.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing all procurement and subcontracting activities in support of a rapidly growing manufacturing operation serving the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), government contractors, as well as commercial customers. This role ensures timely, compliant, and cost-effective acquisition of materials, components, and services while meeting all applicable government contracting requirements. The Purchasing Manager will lead a team of buyers and subcontract specialists, drive supplier performance, and ensure full compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations.

• Lead all purchasing and subcontracting activities in support of government-related or commercial manufacturing programs.
• Work concurrently with the compliance team to ensure FAR, DFARS, and flow-down requirements in all purchase orders and subcontracts.
• Review and approve purchase orders, subcontracts, modifications, and supplier agreements.
• Support proposal and estimating activities by providing pricing, lead times, and sourcing strategies.
• Manage supplier negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and long-term supply agreements.
• Ensure proper documentation, audit readiness, and traceability in accordance with government requirements.
• Identify, qualify, and manage suppliers capable of meeting DoD quality, security, and compliance standards.
• Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and compliance.
• Address supplier nonconformances and drive corrective actions in coordination with Quality and Engineering.
• Support supplier risk management and continuity planning.
• Implement systems and processes to support rapid growth and increased government contract volume.
• Leverage ERP/MRP systems to improve purchasing efficiency, visibility, and controls.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and subcontracting functions.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of buyers and subcontract specialists.
• Assign workloads, set performance goals, and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Establish best practices, standard work, and procurement policies to support scaling operations.
• Foster collaboration across Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Contracts, and Program Management.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with government contracts, including FAR and DFARS compliance.
• Prior experience managing buyers and/or subcontract specialists.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supporting DoD or other federal government customers.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office tools.
• This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• May participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal…