Procurement Manager Bird Johnson Fairbanks Morse Defense

Procurement Manager – Bird Johnson – A Fairbanks Morse Defense Company (Finance)

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard.

When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential.

Join a company where your work directly supports the strength and readiness of the U.S. Navy. As the Procurement Manager at Bird-Johnson, you'll play a critical role in managing the global supply chain to help support the production of various marine propulsion systems for defense applications. At our Walpole, MA facility, you'll be part of a legacy brand with over 100 years of excellence in naval propulsion.

Our products power critical naval platforms and contribute directly to the success of U.S. and allied military operations.

Reports To:

Director of Planning and Supply Chain

Location:

Walpole, MA

Company:
Bird-Johnson Propeller Company - A Fairbanks Morse Defense Company

As a Procurement Manager for Bird-Johnson Propeller Company, you will oversee all global procurement and activities while directly managing the team of buyers. In this role, you will guide and supervise the procurement team to drive cost savings, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and make commercial decisions to support the operational needs of the business. This includes managing supplier negotiations, monitoring purchase price variance, coaching and mentoring buyers, and ensuring alignment with the company's strategic goals.

This is an on-site role that requires exceptional negotiation skills, a strong understanding of compliance within a defense procurement environment, and the ability to analyze and deliver on cost‑saving opportunities. Prior defense procurement experience is strongly preferred.

• Procurement Strategy Development
  :
  Develop and execute procurement strategies that align with business objectives, ensuring cost efficiency, quality, and supplier performance.
• Negotiation & Supplier Management
  :
  Lead contract negotiations with global suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions, focusing on cost savings and long‑term relationships.
• Commercial Decision Making
  :
  Evaluate supplier proposals and make sound commercial decisions to drive business value.
• Compliance
  :
  Ensure procurement activities comply with all applicable regulations, including U.S. Government and defense‑related requirements (ex. CPSR, FAR/DFARS).
• Cost‑Savings Initiatives
  :
  Identify and execute cost‑saving opportunities, including monitoring and managing purchase price variance (PPV).
• Risk Management
  :
  Proactively identify and mitigate sourcing and supply chain risks to ensure business continuity, through robust commodity strategy reviews. Analyze market trends to identify additional opportunities and risks.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
  :
  Work closely with internal teams, including engineering, finance, and operations, to support program and project requirements.

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Purchasing Manager or similar role in a manufacturing environment, preferably Defense focused.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• This role requires the candidate to work on‑site at our Walpole, MA facility to effectively collaborate with cross‑functional teams and oversee procurement operations.
• Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of achieving cost savings.
• Experience with regulatory compliance in procurement (ex. CPSR, FAR/DFARS).
• Proficiency in procurement and ERP systems (ex. Infor Visual, SAP, etc.).
• Exceptional leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to inspire and guide a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong attention to detail.

• Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a related field.
• CPSM, PMP, or equivalent certifications.
• Experience working in a defense or government contracting environment.
• Experience with reporting and data visualization (ex. Power BI)
• Commodity/product/service knowledge relevant to the marine and defense industries.