C5MI is a technology and services firm focused on delivering digital transformation across supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, and IT operations. As a trusted SAP Gold Partner, we serve customers across the public and private sectors—helping them improve mission-critical systems, modernize operations, and increase visibility across their enterprise. Our employees are key to our success, so we strive to be more than just a team; we’re a community built upon a set of Core Values that guide our every action:

• Challenge – We believe in challenging the present – it’s the only way to shape the future. We must be exceptional communicators and collaborators while always learning. We also understand that speaking your mind requires equal parts brain (what to say), thoughtfulness (when to say it), and caring (how it’s said). Incremental won’t win.
• Have Fun – We are on a journey, together. Take care of your family, take care of yourself, and take care of each other. Live your happiness. Stay human, take care of each other and invest in your community. Life isn’t all about work. Live your happiness. Be healthy.
• All In – You can’t fake passion – show your energy. Own it – take charge and lead. Our team is made up of top quartile talent and we never accept second best. Accountability, trust, and integrity create an environment to realize the team’s true potential.
• Never Screw the Customer – We have walked a mile in your shoes. Experience matters. We drive innovation to generate business value. Be true – no BS.
• GSD (Get Stuff Done) – We take initiative and never make excuses. We act with urgency, and we delivery high quality outcomes with extreme velocity. We embrace process discipline, drive continuous improvement, and stay audit ready. We relentlessly execute and plan for tomorrow by creating sustainable outcomes. That is how we win!
• Empower – Our people are the foundation for our success. We recognize their value, and support them by fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. We recognize individual strengths, build confidence through action, and invest in personal development.

Position Summary: The Lead Purchasing Specialist is responsible for the sourcing and procurement process, from solicitation through to closeout. As a seasoned negotiator, this individual will secure favorable terms and pricing from suppliers and comply with best practice procurement standards, FAR/DFARS regulations, and C5MI policies and procedures.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements sourcing and procurement strategies to optimize costs, quality, and delivery of goods and services.
• Leads the implementation of the Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), ensuring alignment with FAR/DFARS and company standards
• Recommends process improvements related to procurement practices.
• Oversees the procurement process from requisition to purchase order issuance and receipt of goods/services.
• Reviews and executes complex and highly technical project requirements/requisitions, issue solicitations, and Subcontract Purchase Orders with consideration to FAR/DFARS flow-down, and C5MI’s terms and conditions.
• Analyzes costs and pricing proposals to achieve cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Recommends solutions to address issues in procurement.
• Processes company-wide purchasing requests for hardware, software, supplies, subs, etc.
• Maintains procurement files to ensure compliance with company procedures.
• Identifies and selects suppliers based on various criteria, including safety, assurance of supply, quality, service, cost and innovation, and sustainability. Considers requestor input, applies experience with prior purchases, current agreements and situations, and may seek additional input from others.
• Negotiates terms and conditions, hourly labor/equipment rates, mark-ups, prices, etc., with Supplier/Contractor to obtain the best possible outcome for the company.
• Ensures purchase orders are managed effectively throughout their lifecycle, including renewals, amendments, and terminations, and ensures compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Tracks and reports on KPIs related to procurement activities to internal stakeholders, and implements improvements based on analysis and feedback.
• Participates in and may prepare for supplier/vendor qualification and/or performance audits.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to facilitate smooth operations and resolve issues promptly. May conduct supplier/vendor/sub partner visits to evaluate performance and maintain constructive business relationships.
• Reconciles invoices for payment by working with AP. Seeks understanding and works with AP to prevent future discrepancies.
• Drives continuous improvement and executes job responsibilities with a customer-centric focus.
• Ensures procurement activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Identify and mitigate risks related to procurement processes and supplier relationships.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6-8 years of experience in sourcing and procurement, or a related field.
• Experience in the application of regulations governing government contract procurements (FAR/DFARS, Public Law).
• 2 + years with CPSR (Contractor purchasing system review)
• Experience managing purchase orders, supplier relationships, and procurement processes.

Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Strong knowledge of contract administration and buying/purchasing.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to address supply chain disruptions, resolve conflicts, and implement solutions that support operational goals.
• Adaptable to change and highly resolved to overcome challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to negotiate terms and conditions, labor/equipment rates, mark-ups, prices, etc.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Unanet ERP system is strongly desired
• Ability to organize and analyze data.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate cross-departmentally.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to perform market research to determine the optimal strategy for procuring supplies and services.

Compensation:

In accordance with pay transparency law, the expected salary range for this position is $87,000 - $120,000 annually. The actual compensation offered will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location. We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This posted range reflects our good faith estimate of the compensation we reasonably expect to offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Supplemental Insurance Options (accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, legal insurance, identity theft insurance, and pet insurance)
• $1,500 wellness benefit for employees (pro-rated in your first year – equivalent of $125 per month employed)
• Unlimited Paid Time off and a generous holiday calendar
• Retirement savings plan – traditional 401(k) and Roth with a company match of 100% on the first 3% you contribute and 50% on the next 2% you contribute.
• Annual bonus eligibility
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Positive and collaborative work environment

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted through Jan 15, 2026

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, use the application link provided in this job posting and complete the application and submit a resume. If the position requires a specific certification, please be sure to upload a copy of your certification when you apply.

C5MI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.