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.
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