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.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required; must provide a valid U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, logistics, materials management, or a related field.
• Experience sourcing, ordering, shipping, receiving, and tracking materials in a manufacturing, logistics, warehouse, or operations environment.
• Knowledge of procurement principles, vendor management, purchasing workflows, and supply chain best practices.
• Experience using procurement, ERP, inventory, or supply chain management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple vendors, purchase actions, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Strong understanding of material tracking, purchase orders, vendor quotes, receiving processes, and documentation control.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, finance, contracts, logistics, and program management teams.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate procurement records.
• Ability to identify process gaps and recommend practical improvements.
• Ability to meet background check, customer suitability, or contract-specific requirements as applicable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance or higher.
• Experience supporting government contracts, especially manufacturing, logistics, defense, or federal supply chain programs.
• Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, government purchasing requirements, or federal contract compliance.
• Experience in a lead, senior specialist, supervisor, or procurement manager role.
• Experience with automation, dashboards, workflow improvements, or AI-enabled process enhancements in procurement or supply chain operations.
• Experience with systems such as Deltek, Costpoint, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, Coupa, Unanet, UKG, or similar platforms.
• Experience supporting material planning, inventory management, warehouse coordination, shipping and receiving, or manufacturing production schedules.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as CPSM, CPP, CPIM, CSCP, PMP, or similar.

Skills / Competencies

• Procurement and purchasing management
• Vendor sourcing and supplier coordination
• Supply chain and manufacturing logistics support
• Shipping, receiving, and material tracking
• Procurement software and ERP systems
• Cost analysis and vendor comparison
• Compliance, audit readiness, and documentation control
• Process improvement, automation, and workflow optimization
• Cross-functional communication and operational coordination
• Sound judgment, organization, and attention to detail

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position may support office, warehouse, manufacturing, logistics, or government contract environments. The role may require coordination with internal teams, vendors, subcontractors, customers, and program leadership. Depending on contract requirements, the position may also require access to controlled facilities or other secure workspaces.

Employees must be able to use computer systems, review procurement documentation, track materials, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Depending on site needs, the role may require occasional standing, walking, lifting, or inspection of materials. Must comply with all company, customer, contract, safety, and security requirements.

Company Overview

At CenCore Group, we deliver security solutions that support critical national security missions. We specialize in designing, building, securing, and maintaining advanced technology environments at the intersection of emerging technology and national security. We are seeking a dependable, cleared professional to join our team in support of secure physical security operations.

Compensation Overview

Eligible employees may enroll in company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision benefits in accordance with plan terms and enrollment requirements. The company contributes toward employee healthcare premiums, subject to plan provisions.

Employees are also eligible to participate in the company's 401(k) retirement savings plan, including employer matching contributions in accordance with plan guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday benefits are provided in accordance with company policy, applicable contract requirements, and federal, state, and local laws. Benefit eligibility and accrual rates may vary based on position, location, and length of service.

The company is committed to equitable pay practices and does not seek or rely on an applicant's wage history when making compensation decisions.

Benefits may be modified from time to time in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

CenCore Group is an equal opportunity employer. We hire based on merit and qualifications and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.