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Trust Automation

Purchasing Manager

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What they do

A Purchasing Manager manages the purchasing of supplies for a company or organization. Develops policies and schedules for regular procurements. Trains and supervises staff, develops relationships with suppliers, researches and inspects supplies, and negotiates supply and shipping prices.

$110,521 / year median in California

+1% projected growth

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Job Description

Why Trust Automation? Our goal is to develop the most advanced control and power management systems for the defense, semiconductor, medical and industrial industries while nurturing a work environment that reflects our core values. Located in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California, we're part of a growing community of advanced manufacturing companies on the cutting edge of information technologies and automation. To bring the world's most advanced technologies to life, we need your talent. Safety Respect Integrity Teamwork Agility Community Build What's Next With Trust Automation At the forefront of tomorrow's innovation, we put people first. Our culture blends collaboration, creativity, and true work-life balance—set against the unmatched lifestyle of California's Central Coast. Our Corporate Values 100% Paid Healthcare We believe it's our responsibility to take care of our employees' well-being—which is why we cover 100% of our employees health plans and a percentage of dependents plans. In-House Recreation Challenge your coworkers to a friendly game of foosball, air hockey or ping-pong, or play some video games on your coffee break. Work-Life Balance We encourage a healthy work-life balance. We want you to have a rewarding career while also making time for your family, friends and personal life. Employer sponsored Early Care and Education Our licensed children's center provides families with high-quality care and education for infants, toddlers and older children. Trust Childrens Center + Trust Team Events To encourage team-building and camaraderie, we plan several fun events each month and even cater breakfast. Community Service Giving back is important to us. We encourage community service and offer several opportunities to get involved throughout the year. Trails & Oceans Our office is located in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California, where there's never a shortage of fun things to do—from surfing the local beaches to hiking winding trails. Excellent Benefits Our benefits include generous paid time off in the form of vacation, sick and 11 paid holidays per year. We also offer bonuses, a 401K saving plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Profit Sharing, Life and AD&D Insurance, and a Employee Assistance Program. ✕ Application for Purchasing Manager Trust Automation Trust Automation has over 35 years of experience in custom motors, linear drives, digital drives, and systems which meet the unique needs of its customers. Its product line includes motors, linear drives, digital drives, custom assemblies, and products to fit unique applications and ground-up system design and manufacturing solutions. We design, build and support control and power management systems for the most demanding defense, semiconductor, industrial automation, and medical applications. Trust Automation is an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce, personnel with competencies and experience related to the regional and State population. Every employee has an "at-will" relationship with Trust Automation. This means that employment with Trust Automation is at the mutual consent of the employer and the employee and is subject to termination by either party at will, with or without cause or advance notice. Job Summary The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing all procurement and subcontracting activities in support of a rapidly growing manufacturing operation serving the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), government contractors, as well as commercial customers. This role ensures timely, compliant, and cost-effective acquisition of materials, components, and services while meeting all applicable government contracting requirements. The Purchasing Manager will lead a team of buyers and subcontract specialists, drive supplier performance, and ensure full compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations. Duties and Responsibilities To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions. Lead all purchasing and subcontracting activities in support of government-related or commercial manufacturing programs. Work concurrently with the compliance team to ensure FAR, DFARS, and flow-down requirements in all purchase orders and subcontracts. Review and approve purchase orders, subcontracts, modifications, and supplier agreements. Support proposal and estimating activities by providing pricing, lead times, and sourcing strategies. Manage supplier negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and long-term supply agreements. Ensure proper documentation, audit readiness, and traceability in accordance with government requirements. Identify, qualify, and manage suppliers capable of meeting DoD quality, security, and compliance standards. Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and compliance. Address supplier nonconformances and drive corrective actions in coordination with Quality and Engineering. Support supplier risk management and continuity planning. Implement systems and processes to support rapid growth and increased government contract volume. Leverage ERP/MRP systems to improve purchasing efficiency, visibility, and controls. Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and subcontracting functions. Supervisory Responsibilities (if applicable) Manage, mentor, and develop a team of buyers and subcontract specialists. Assign workloads, set performance goals, and conduct regular performance reviews. Establish best practices, standard work, and procurement policies to support scaling operations. Foster collaboration across Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Contracts, and Program Management. Position Requirements Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive procurement experience in a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated experience working with government contracts, including FAR and DFARS compliance. Prior experience managing buyers and/or subcontract specialists. Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Experience supporting DoD or other federal government customers. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office tools. This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver's License and clean driving record. May participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your identity. Preferred Experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing industries. Familiarity with
DCMA/DCAA
audits and government compliance reviews. CPSM, CPIM, or similar professional certification. Experience scaling procurement organizations during periods of rapid growth. Physical Requirements Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person, on the telephone or virtually. Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator or assemble/manufacture intricate items. Seeing to read a variety of materials. Sitting or standing for extended period of time Physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height. Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects. Pay/Salary Information Pay scale for this position - $138,000.00 - $150,000 annually By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the information provided within. You certify that the information contained in this application is correct to the best of your knowledge. You understand that to falsify information is grounds for refusing to hire, or for discharge should you be hired.