Senior Category Manager

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations space programs solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space delivering innovative solutions that span satellite launch ground and cyber systems for defense civil and commercial customers. When you join our team youll be part of a special collection of problem solvers thought leaders and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary

The Aerospace Supply Chain organization is seeking a strategic and results-drivenSenior Category Manager(Subcontracts Admin Staff V) to lead procurement activities for critical indirect categories including Research & Development (R&D) Prototyping Maintenance Repair & Operations (MRO) Calibration services and Enterprise Services.

In this high-impact role you will develop and execute category strategies that drive cost savings ensure supply continuity and align with corporate objectives. Youll lead vendor negotiations conduct market analysis and build strong cross-functional partnerships to deliver value across the organization. The ideal candidate brings 5-7 years of procurement and strategic sourcing experience with a proven track record in managing indirect categories and delivering measurable results in a dynamic fast-paced environment.

Our Supply Chain organization manages all aspects of procurement for the entire corporation offering the opportunity to be part of a diverse team that procures a wide range of capital indirect and government-funded products and servicesincluding IT specialized equipment research and development facilities services engineering design and construction.

The selected candidate willbe requiredto workfull-timeon-site at our facility inEl Segundo CA.

What Youll Be Doing

• Lead strategic sourcing and category management for Research & Development (R&D) Prototyping Maintenance Repair & Operations (MRO) and Calibration services with additional responsibility for Enterprise Services as needed
• Develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives drive cost savings and ensure supply continuity
• Manage sourcing activities for assigned indirect commodities including goods and services while executing and overseeing the timely award of contracts and purchase orders
• Conduct market analysis and supplier assessments to identify opportunities for cost reduction process improvement and risk mitigation.
• Lead vendor negotiations to secure favorable pricing delivery terms and service level agreements
• Track and report procurement savings and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across R&D Operations Quality and other functions to understand requirements and deliver value
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to prioritize tasks meet deadlines and support business initiatives
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues or discrepancies promptly to maintain operational excellence
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for audit purposes and contract compliance

What You Need to be Successful

MinimumRequirements for the Senior Category Manager (Subcontract Administration Staff V)include:

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Business Administration or a related field is required

• A minimum of (5) years of hands-on experience in Supply Chain Procurement Strategic Sourcing or Category Management is required

• Demonstrated experience in procurement planning strategic sourcing and executing procurement plans for indirect categories
• Proven experience managing R&D MRO Prototyping and/or Calibration categories
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with strong attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating procurement data market trends and vendor performance with experience in presenting data analysis summaries to various audiences including senior management

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Masters degree in Supply Chain Business Administration or a related field
• Certification in Supply Chain Management (e.g. CPSM CSCP CPM)
• Experience managing Enterprise Services categories (e.g. consulting professional services contingent workforce)
• Familiarity with SAP / ARIBA (source to pay) systems
• Experience in the aerospace or highly regulated industry supporting indirect commodities
• Track record of delivering significant cost savings and process improvements through strategic sourcing initiatives

We offer a competitive compensation package where youll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education experience knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee regardless of level and role can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays sick time and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules including telework options

• 401(k) Plan Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8% 10% or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork flexibility and respect

We are all unique from various backgrounds and all walks of life yet one thing bonds all of us to each otherthe belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race age sex (including pregnancy childbirth and related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender gender identity or expression colorreligiongeneticinformation marital status ancestry national origin protected veteran status physical disability medical condition mental disability or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If youre an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailat .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.