Purchasing Manager (DOD)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Manager of Purchasing
Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3–4 days onsite per week)

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Manager of Purchasing to lead a dynamic supply chain team supporting the development and production of advanced ground vehicle systems for the U.S. Armed Forces and allied partners . This role is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to defense-related strategic sourcing initiatives within a fast-paced and mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of purchasing professionals, providing mentorship, direction, and performance feedback.
• Serve as the interface between the Supply Chain Management (SCM) team and senior leadership.
• Oversee daily procurement activities while program managing sourcing strategies and timelines.
• Identify, assess, and select suppliers based on capability, reliability, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key suppliers and partners.
• Perform complex cost and price analyses to ensure fair and reasonable pricing aligned with procurement best practices.
• Ensure compliance with government and customer requirements, including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) guidelines, by maintaining accurate and complete contract documentation.
• Analyze and report supplier data in a government contracting environment.
• Promote high-performance standards throughout the team by leading by example.
• Conduct benchmarking and market research to identify best practices, innovation, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including legal, finance, and operations to align procurement activities with broader business objectives.
• Develop and implement KPIs to measure and improve purchasing performance and track progress toward strategic goals.
• Support or lead business case development for strategic initiatives including new market entry, partnerships, or M&A activity.
• Foster internal and external stakeholder relationships to identify opportunities for value creation and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience in military/government purchasing
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing and developing teams
• Proven success in purchasing, commodity management, and strategic sourcing
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Technical understanding of key vehicle systems and components
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong presentation ability
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage change
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with a results-driven approach

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPSM, CPM, or MBA
• Experience working with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and government contractors

This is an excellent opportunity to lead sourcing efforts that directly impact national defense programs. Join a team where innovation, collaboration, and strategic thinking are highly valued.

Company Description

Using the best business practices obtained from many years of experience in Business, Law, and Recruiting and Staffing, the Founders at CrossFire Group (“CrossFire”) started in downtown Royal Oak, MI more than a decade ago. With backgrounds in Information Technology (IT) and the Legal Industry, CrossFire began placing by IT and Legal Professionals in contract and direct-hire positions throughout the Midwest.

Since our founding, CrossFire has grown into a full-service Human Capital Solutions Organization. We are proud of now providing full services beyond recruiting and staffing. Our portfolio of services includes HR supply chain management, human resources consulting, and many customized Human Resource related services.

Company Description

Using the best business practices obtained from many years of experience in Business, Law, and Recruiting and Staffing, the Founders at CrossFire Group (“CrossFire”) started in downtown Royal Oak, MI more than a decade ago. With backgrounds in Information Technology (IT) and the Legal Industry, CrossFire began placing by IT and Legal Professionals in contract and direct-hire positions throughout the Midwest.\r\n\r\nSince our founding, CrossFire has grown into a full-service Human Capital Solutions Organization. We are proud of now providing full services beyond recruiting and staffing. Our portfolio of services includes HR supply chain management, human resources consulting, and many customized Human Resource related services.