Procurement Manager

About the job

FMS Aerospace is seeking a highly organized and detail‑oriented Procurement Manager to join our Huntsville team. This role is integral to leading our purchasing operations and ensuring the availability, accuracy, and traceability of all materials required across multiple aerospace programs.

The Procurement Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing and procurement strategies that ensure the organization obtains high-quality goods and services at competitive prices while maintaining compliance with company policies and AS9100D requirements. This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, drives cost savings initiatives, and collaborates with internal stakeholders to support operational and business objectives.

The successful candidate will lead and manage the procurement department, including all purchasing, inventory & logistics employees and facilitate communication and collaboration with all other departments within the company. As the main point of contact for all program managers, engineering, and manufacturing teams, the main goal is to maintain optimal inventory levels, support on-time program delivery, and uphold the highest standards of supply chain performance. This position requires strong communication skills, ability to delegate responsibilities to all junior staff. This role requires excellent analytical capabilities and a solid understanding of procurement, inventory control, and logistics processes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with organizational goals.

• Analyze spending patterns and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.

• Establish sourcing plans to support current and future business requirements.

• Monitor market trends, pricing, and supplier capabilities.

Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and manage suppliers and vendors.

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery, and service expectations are met.

• Conduct supplier performance reviews and corrective action initiatives when necessary.

• Mitigate supply chain risks through contingency planning and supplier diversification.

Contract Negotiation & Administration

• Lead negotiations for pricing, terms, conditions, and service level agreements.

• Prepare, review, and administer contracts and purchase agreements.

• Ensure contractual compliance and manage contract renewals.

• Assist PMs with manhours and cost for bid & proposal purposes on items related to procurement & logistics.

Purchasing Operations

• Oversee purchasing processes from requisition through purchase order issuance and receipt.

• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards.

• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with stakeholders to prevent shortages or excess inventory.

Financial & Compliance Management

• Manage procurement budgets and spending controls.

• Track and report procurement metrics, savings, and supplier performance indicators.

• Support audits and maintain procurement documentation.

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, quality standards, and company policies.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop all procurement, inventory, & logistics personnel.

• Establish performance goals and conduct employee evaluations.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, Logistics, Finance or a related field.

• 5–8+ years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience.

• Experience managing suppliers and negotiating complex contracts.

• Strong understanding of procurement principles, sourcing strategies, and contract management.

• Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems (e.g., Unanet, SAP, Oracle, Deltek, Costpoint, Coupa, or similar).

• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience working with suppliers and outsourced vendors.

• Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems (e.g., Unanet, SAP, Oracle, Deltek, Costpoint, or similar).

• S. citizenship required.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret (or higher) Security Clearance.

• Experience with AS9100D compliance.

• Experience in government contracting, aerospace, manufacturing, defense, or highly regulated industries.

• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS requirements and supplier compliance programs.

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.

• Experience with Unanet & AIM (formerly Flowtrac) inventory management software.

• DoD or military experience.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work in a standard office environment and perform work primarily on a computer for extended periods.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the office and warehouse or production areas as needed.

• Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual meeting platforms.

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to inspect inventory, materials, and supplier-provided products in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or storage areas.

• Ability to read and analyze procurement documents, contracts, bids, financial reports, and technical specifications.

• Ability to work effectively under deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular use of computers, phones, and other office equipment.

• Occasional visits to supplier sites, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, or customer locations may be required.

FMS Aerospace Company Profile

Founded in 2013, FMS is a growing, flexible, customer-driven aircraft structural engineering and flight test company with manufacturing capability. We have many opportunities with a variety of types of projects with both foreign and domestic governments and commercial customers across many types of aircraft. Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with world-leading technology and aerial fire suppression systems. Bridger Aerospace has grown from operating a single plane to commanding a significant Air Attack fleet, Special Missions Sensor Equipped Aircraft, and the largest privately operated Super Scooper fleet in the world.

Located in Huntsville, AL within minutes of the cultural center of downtown Huntsville.

Benefits and Perks

• Industry-competitive compensation package

• Company performance-based bonus plan

• Equity stock-based compensation package

• Employer-funded comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents

• 401k with company match

• PTO & holiday pay

• Employer-funded life and disability insurance coverages

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings and its family of companies does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal or state law in matters of employment, promotion, services or activities it operates. All decisions on employment are made to further the principle of equal employment within FMS.