Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technological innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions…that work.
SARA is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and experienced Procurement & Supply Chain Manager to support activities at our Colorado Springs location. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers.
The Procurement & Supply Chain Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership of SARA’s Supply Chain organization, including Procurement, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) governance, Strategic Sourcing, Material Planning, Supplier Quality coordination, Logistics, and Subcontract Management out of our Colorado Springs, CO facility. This position will serve as the functional authority for purchasing system compliance and is responsible for maintaining a procurement system that meets the requirements of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and DCMA Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) standards. This role partners directly with Contracts, Finance, Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Manufacturing to ensure procurement activities support successful contract execution and withstand Government audit and purchasing system reviews.
Primary Responsibilities
Supply Chain Leadership
- Leads all procurement, strategic sourcing, subcontract management, material planning, supplier quality coordination, and purchasing operations
- Maintains operational oversight of inventory management, shipping & receiving, and material control sections
- Develops long-term supply chain strategies aligned with business growth objectives
- Establishes performance metrics that drive supplier performance, procurement efficiency, cost savings, and schedule performance
Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) Governance
- Serves as the Company's principal authority for Contractor Purchasing System (CPSR) compliance
- Maintains a purchasing system capable of successfully passing DCMA CPSR reviews with minimal findings
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve policies, procedures, work instructions, and internal controls supporting CPSR compliance
- Leads internal purchasing system assessments, compliance audits, and corrective action activities
- Coordinates all CPSR preparation activities, Government data calls, document production, and corrective action implementation
- Monitors regulatory changes affecting procurement practices and implement required policy and procedural updates
- Partners with Contracts, Finance, Legal, and others to ensure purchasing system integrity
Government Procurement & Subcontract Management
- Ensures purchasing activities comply with FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and customer-specific contract requirements
- Oversees sole-source procurements, subcontract negotiations, cost and price analyses, supplier evaluations, and procurement documentation
- Manages procurement activities supporting Cost Reimbursable, T&M, Fixed Price, OTA, and Commercial contracts
- Supports proposal development through supplier engagement, pricing strategy, subcontract planning, and material cost estimating
- Ensures appropriate contract clause flow-downs are incorporated into purchase orders and subcontracts
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Develops sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, delivery, and supply continuity
- Leads supplier qualification, performance management, and corrective action processes
- Manages strategic supplier relationships and negotiates favorable commercial terms
- Identifies and mitigates supplier risks affecting production, quality, cybersecurity, and compliance
Operational Excellence
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain operations
- Develop executive-level metrics and dashboards supporting operational decision-making
- Support DCAA, DCMA, customer, and internal audits
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field
- Minimum of 7 - 10 years of progressive Supply Chain or Procurement experience
- Minimum of 3 - 5 years in a leadership role supporting Aerospace & Defense or Federal Government contracting
- Demonstrated experience maintaining or operating within a CPSR-compliant purchasing system
- Direct experience supporting DCMA Contractor Purchasing System Reviews
- Thorough knowledge of:
- FAR / DFARS procurement requirements
- CPSR review criteria
- Cost and Price Analysis
- Procurement file documentation
- Subcontract administration
- Source selection documentation
- Experience leading procurement policy development and internal control programs
- Experience managing procurement teams within a regulated manufacturing or aerospace environment
- Strong analytical, negotiation, leadership, and communication skills
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
- May require Light physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 30 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in business administration or supply chain management
- 10 - 13 years of relevant experience
- Active Top Secret Clearance
- CPSM, CPCM, PMP, APICS/ASCM, or similar professional certification
- Experience leading a successful DCMA CPSR with an approved purchasing system
- Experience supporting DCAA accounting system reviews and Government audits
- Experience with ERP platforms such as Deltek Costpoint, Oracle, SAP, or Microsoft Dynamics
- Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems
- Experience supporting classified Government programs
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Discretionary Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Pay Range
Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $125,000 - $165,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.
Application Deadline: August 5, 2026
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
