What are the responsibilities and job description for the Procurement Manager position at First Search Inc.?
Procurement Manager
Location: Bloomfield, CT. Onsite 5 days
Our client, LiquidPiston, is looking for a Procurement Manager. If you're interested, please apply!
About Client
LiquidPiston is a cutting-edge engineering company developing advanced rotary internal combustion engines for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications. Our technology enables higher efficiency, compact form factors, and fuel flexibility, supporting mission-critical and next-generation systems.
Position Summary
LiquidPiston is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to lead sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management activities across engineering and R&D operations. This role is critical to ensuring timely, cost-effective, and high-quality procurement of materials, components, and services while supporting rapid development cycles and production scalability.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with company growth, engineering needs, and production timelines
- Manage sourcing and purchasing of direct and indirect materials, including machined parts, castings, electronics, raw materials, and specialized services
- Identify, evaluate, negotiate with, and manage suppliers to ensure quality, cost, delivery, and compliance requirements
- Lead contract negotiations, pricing agreements, and long-term supplier partnerships
- Collaborate closely with Engineering and Program Management to support new product development and production readiness
- Monitor supplier performance, mitigate supply chain risks, and implement continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure procurement processes comply with company policies, government contracting requirements (as applicable), and export controls
- Manage purchase orders, inventory levels, lead times, and cost controls
- Support make/buy decisions and cost-reduction initiatives
- Maintain accurate procurement records and reporting for management review
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree a plus)
- 5 years of procurement or supply chain experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or advanced technology environment
- Strong knowledge of sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract management, and cost analysis
- Experience working with engineered components and precision manufacturing suppliers
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools
- Understanding of government contracting, FAR/DFARS, or ITAR compliance preferred
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth, R&D-driven environment