Procurement Specialist

The BOM & Procurement Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end management of Bill of Materials (BOM), component selection, sourcing, and procurement for cable wire harness and electromechanical assemblies in defense-sector programs. This role ensures technical accuracy, material availability, supplier reliability, and strict compliance with defense, customer, and quality standards (MIL-SPEC, IPC/WHMA-A-620, ISO 9001:2015). The specialist serves as the key interface between Engineering, Procurement, Production, and Quality to maintain configuration control and support mission-critical manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and maintain detailed BOMs for cable harnesses and assemblies.
• Ensure all BOM items meet engineering requirements, MIL-SPEC standards, and customer specifications.
• Maintain revision control, implement engineering change orders, and ensure traceability across defense programs.
• Conduct periodic BOM audits to identify discrepancies, shortages, or risks.
• Coordinate closely with Engineering for accuracy of wiring diagrams, drawings, cable trees, and component callouts.

Component Expertise & Library Management

• Identify, specify, and qualify components such as connectors, backshells, heat shrink materials, EMI/RFI shielding, cables, molded parts, and accessories.
• Maintain a centralized component database including datasheets, approved manufacturers, lifecycle/obsolescence status, and internal part numbering structures.
• Verify electrical, mechanical, and environmental suitability of components for harsh military environments.
• Support AVL (Approved Vendor List) creation and updates.

Cross Reference, Alternatives & Value Engineering

• Identify equivalent or replacement components to mitigate supply constraints or obsolescence.
• Conduct form fit function analysis for proposed substitutes.
• Work with Engineering and Quality to assess risks and secure technical approvals.
• Support cost reduction initiatives through strategic component standardization and sourcing.
• Source, evaluate, and manage suppliers of defense grade harness components.
• Request and analyse quotations, negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms.
• Ensure timely issuance and tracking of purchase orders to support production schedules.
• Maintain and monitor supplier performance (delivery reliability, quality, responsiveness).
• Resolve shortages, delays, and non conformances; elevate critical supply risks.

Compliance, Standards & Documentation

• Ensure adherence to IPC/WHMA A 620, ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100 practices, and secure handling of sensitive and restricted technical data.

Qualifications & Expertise

• Bachelor's degree in electrical/mechanical engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 5-10 years' experience in BOM management, component selection, or procurement within defense/aerospace, wire harness, or electronics manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of harness components (connectors, contacts, terminals, cables, backshells, heat shrink materials, and accessories).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and material specifications.
• Experience in ERP/MRP systems (Odoo, SAP, Oracle, etc.) and familiarity with PLM systems.
• Understanding of MIL SPEC standards, IPC/WHMA A 620, and ISO 9001 documentation requirements.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier management skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience sourcing defense/aerospace components from OEMs.
• Knowledge of export/import requirements, Incoterms, and logistics.
• Familiarity with harness design tools (HarnWare, Zuken E3, EPLAN, CATIA).
• Understanding of EMI/EMC considerations, sealing standards (IP67/IP68), and derating principles.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to troubleshoot component shortages and technical compatibility issues.

Soft Skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong coordination and cross department communication.
• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions under tight timelines.
• Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to confidentiality and defense compliance requirements.
• Strong problem solving mindset, especially for urgent supply chain or component issues.
• High level of professionalism and discipline suited for handling sensitive or classified defense program information.