Role Overview for Chief Procurement Officer with an Aerospace & Defense Contractor – Washington, DC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, Tier-1 Aerospace & Defense (A&D) contractor in their search for a visionary and strategic Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). Based in the critical hub of Washington, DC, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of a multi-billion-dollar global supply chain. The CPO will be the principal architect of the company’s procurement strategy, responsible for all aspects of sourcing, purchasing, and supply chain management. This position demands a leader who can navigate the complexities of government contracting, drive innovation, and build a world-class procurement organization that serves as a key competitive advantage.
As the CPO, you will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and be a vital member of the executive leadership team. You will be entrusted with managing a significant annual spend, overseeing a global team of procurement professionals, and ensuring the seamless flow of materials and services required to deliver on mission-critical defense and aerospace programs. Your leadership will directly impact program affordability, schedule adherence, and overall business performance. You will be responsible for fostering a culture of continuous improvement, ethical conduct, and strategic partnership with a diverse supply base. This role requires a dynamic leader who can balance strategic long-term planning with the tactical execution needed to succeed in the fast-paced and highly regulated A&D industry. You will be the face of the organization to the supply chain, building and maintaining relationships with key suppliers, government agencies, and industry partners.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Procurement Officer with an Aerospace & Defense Contractor – Washington, DC
The Chief Procurement Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Sourcing & Global Supply Chain Strategy
Develop and execute a comprehensive, forward-thinking global procurement and supply chain strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives. Lead market analysis, category management, and strategic sourcing initiatives to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance across all direct and indirect spend categories.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key suppliers and partners. Implement robust SRM programs to drive supplier performance, innovation, and collaboration. Lead supplier segmentation, risk assessment, and development initiatives to build a resilient and high-performing supply base.
Contract Negotiation & Management
Oversee all major contract negotiations, ensuring favorable terms, mitigating risk, and guaranteeing compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. Establish and enforce a rigorous contract management lifecycle process, from creation and execution to performance monitoring and closeout.
Risk Management & Compliance
Ensure unwavering compliance with all government contracting regulations, including deep familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), as well as ITAR and other export control laws. Develop and implement proactive supply chain risk mitigation strategies to address geopolitical, financial, and operational risks.
Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-caliber global procurement organization. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning. Champion diversity and inclusion within the team and the broader supply base. Structure the organization for optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
Cost Optimization & Financial Acumen
Drive enterprise-wide cost reduction and value engineering initiatives without compromising quality or performance. Develop and manage the procurement department’s budget, financial forecasts, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Provide executive-level reporting on procurement metrics and market trends.
Process Improvement & Technology Integration
Champion the adoption of digital procurement tools, analytics, and best practices to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making. Lead the continuous improvement of procurement processes, policies, and systems (e.g., ERP, P2P).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key business partner to other functional leaders, including Engineering, Program Management, Finance, Legal, and Quality. Ensure early procurement involvement in new product development and program bids to influence design for manufacturability and supply chain feasibility.
Requirements for the Chief Procurement Officer with an Aerospace & Defense Contractor – Washington, DC
The ideal candidate will be a proven executive with a distinguished track record of leadership in complex, regulated environments. Specific qualifications include:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
- A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supply chain management.
- At least 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role, managing large, geographically dispersed teams and a significant spend portfolio.
Mandatory
Extensive and deep experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry, with a proven track record of success in a government contracting environment.
- Experience managing a multi-billion dollar spend portfolio across complex categories such as avionics, propulsion systems, composite materials, and specialized subsystems.
Skills & Expertise:
- Expert-level knowledge of government procurement regulations, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA).
- Demonstrated mastery of advanced negotiation strategies and complex contract structures (e.g., Firm-Fixed-Price, Cost-Plus, IDIQ).
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to build business cases, analyze total cost of ownership, and manage departmental budgets effectively.
- Proficiency with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and digital procurement platforms.
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
- Superior communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, from the shop floor to the Board of Directors.
Personal Attributes:
- Unquestionable ethics, integrity, and a commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct.
- A strategic and visionary mindset with the ability to translate broad corporate goals into actionable procurement initiatives.
- A collaborative and decisive leadership style.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance is required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, significant annual bonus potential, and a long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Work-Life Balance
A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Professional Growth
A commitment to your continued development with funding for executive education, professional certifications, and industry conferences.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Additional Perks
Includes life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs, and potential access to other executive-level benefits.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience in the Aerospace & Defense sector. We encourage you to apply directly through our portal or to reach out to our dedicated team of recruiters.
JRG Partners is a leader in connecting exceptional talent with transformative opportunities. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Aerospace & Defense executive search practice page. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
