Lead Procurement Specialist / Procurement Manager

CenCore is seeking an experienced Lead Procurement Specialist / Procurement Manager to support procurement, supply chain, manufacturing logistics, and vendor-management operations for mission-focused programs. This role manages sourcing, purchasing, shipping coordination, receiving, material tracking, supplier communication, and procurement documentation in alignment with contract requirements, operational timelines, and company standards. The ideal candidate is a hands-on procurement professional who can manage multiple purchase actions, monitor lead times, maintain accurate records, and partner effectively with operations, logistics, finance, contracts, and program teams. Experience supporting government manufacturing contracts, federal supply chain environments, logistics operations, or secure program support is strongly preferred. The successful candidate should also be comfortable using procurement systems, reporting tools, automation, and AI-enabled workflow improvements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and visibility. Location preference is strongly centered in Utah. Candidates based in or able to support work in Utah are highly desired; Denver-based candidates may be considered on an individual case-by-case basis depending on program needs, qualifications, and operational fit. Key Responsibilities Manage end-to-end procurement activities, including sourcing, pricing, purchasing, shipping coordination, receiving, material tracking, and procurement documentation.Support material planning and procurement execution to help ensure equipment, supplies, and services are delivered in alignment with program schedules and operational requirements.Develop, review, and process purchase requests, purchase orders, vendor quotes, invoices, receiving reports, and related procurement records.Coordinate with operations, logistics, warehouse, finance, contracts, and program management teams to align procurement actions with business and contract requirements.Maintain accurate records of procurement activity, supplier performance, order status, delivery timelines, and material availability.Monitor vendor performance and resolve issues related to pricing, quality, substitutions, incomplete shipments, and delivery delays.Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, procurement standards, and applicable contract requirements.Support shipping, receiving, and inventory coordination activities, including receipt verification and discrepancy resolution.Use procurement, ERP, inventory, or supply chain systems to manage purchasing workflows, reporting, supplier records, and documentation.Identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency through process improvements, automation, reporting enhancements, and workflow optimization.Assist with cost analysis, vendor comparisons, procurement forecasting, and supply chain risk mitigation efforts.Support audits, compliance reviews, customer reporting, and internal procurement process improvement initiatives.Serve as a lead procurement point of contact for assigned programs, contracts, or operational support activities.