Purchasing Manager

We are seeking a highly experienced and compliance-driven Purchasing Manager – Government & Defense Programs to lead and oversee all procurement activities supporting government and defense contracts. This role is responsible for managing a team of buyers, establishing procurement strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving supplier performance across approved and qualified vendors. 

The Purchasing Manager will ensure full adherence to FAR/DFARS, ITAR, cybersecurity requirements, and internal controls while balancing cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk mitigation. This position partners closely with executive leadership, program management, engineering, quality, finance, and manufacturing to support mission-critical program execution in a highly regulated environment. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field. 

• 10+ years of procurement experience in a government defense contracting environment, or similar. 

• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience. 

• Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government contract compliance requirements. 

• Demonstrated experience managing Approved Vendor Lists (AVL) and supplier qualification processes. 

• Proven experience leading negotiations, cost/price analysis, and contract review. 

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Unanet, SAP, Oracle, or similar). 
  
  
• Strong analytical capability with advanced Microsoft Excel skills. 

• Experience supporting aerospace or defense manufacturing environments. 

• MBA preferred. 

• Familiarity with AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality systems. 

• Experience working directly with DCMA and DCAA. 

• Knowledge of supply chain cybersecurity compliance and counterfeit parts prevention. 

• Experience implementing procurement process improvements or ERP transformations. 

• CPSM, CPIM, or related professional certification. 
  
  
• Active or previously held security clearance. 

• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution capability. 

• Compliance-first mindset with high ethical standards. 

• Strong leadership presence and team development capability. 

• Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills. 

• Ability to manage high-risk, high-visibility government programs. 

• Strong decision-making under schedule and regulatory pressure. 

• Results-oriented with a high degree of ownership and accountability. 

Benefits: 

• Competitive total compensation package 
• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match 
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year
• 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

• Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.