Purchasing Manager- Government Contracts

Purchasing Manager – Government Programs

Position Summary

The Purchasing Manager – Government Programs is responsible for leading all procurement activities in support of federal and Department of Defense (DoD) shipbuilding contracts. This role ensures purchasing operations comply with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) requirements, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) while supporting production schedules for aluminum and steel vessel construction, repair, and overhaul.

The Purchasing Manager oversees supplier selection, contract negotiation, material acquisition, subcontract management, and compliance documentation to ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant procurement of marine materials, equipment, and services.


Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all procurement activities for government shipbuilding programs.

Ensure full compliance with FAR, DFARS, and contract-specific government flow-down requirements.

Develop and maintain approved supplier lists for marine-grade materials, systems, and equipment.

Negotiate pricing, terms, and long-term agreements with suppliers and subcontractors.

Ensure proper documentation of purchase orders, cost/price analysis, and procurement files to meet audit standards.

Support audits and reviews conducted by Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).

Coordinate closely with Program Management, Engineering, Production, and Quality to align procurement schedules with vessel construction milestones.

Manage procurement of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and ensure proper tracking and accountability.

Monitor supplier performance including quality, delivery, cost control, and compliance.

Oversee subcontract administration including scope definition, compliance clauses, and performance tracking.

Implement risk mitigation strategies for long-lead marine components and critical path materials.

Ensure compliance with domestic sourcing requirements (e.g., Buy American provisions when applicable).

Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing department.


Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Marine Engineering, or related field preferred.

Experience:

7+ years of procurement experience in shipbuilding, marine manufacturing, heavy industrial, or defense contracting.

Direct experience supporting DoD or federal government contracts.

Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and government flow-down clauses.

Experience preparing procurement documentation for DCMA/DCAA audits.

Familiarity with marine systems, structural steel, aluminum fabrication, propulsion systems, and outfitting components.

Certifications (Preferred):

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)

Lean or Six Sigma certification



Core Competencies

Government procurement compliance

Contract interpretation & flow-down management

Supplier negotiation & cost analysis

Risk management for long-lead materials

Audit readiness & documentation control

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic sourcing & vendor development


Work Environment

Onsite position within a shipyard or marine manufacturing environment.

Regular interaction with production teams, government representatives, and subcontractors.

Occasional travel to supplier facilities or government program meetings.

Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance if required.