Procurement Director

Procurement Director Draper Labs United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge 555 Technology Square (Show on map) May 12, 2026

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

The Director 1, Procurement is responsible for the daily operation, planning, coordination, and execution of all purchasing activities while adhering to strict regulatory compliance (e.g., FAR, DFARS). Responsible for providing a single point of oversight and leadership for the end-to-end acquisition processes to include supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and cost structures while implementing procedures that allow for streamlined and risk-based decision making to align with corporate growth, financial goals, strategic objectives. The Director 1, Procurement works directly with Supply Chain Leadership, regularly interacts with cross-functional Sr. Leadership, and key stakeholders to plan, prioritize, and implement compliant initiatives and process improvement strategies contributing to Draper's success.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities Select, motivate, train and lead a highly skilled team of professional Internal, Sponsored, and Material Buyers to deliver business needs. Responsible for all Procurement processes and systems; Ensure processes are aligned with all Government, Draper, and prime contract requirements. Develop and deliver functional strategy, long-term planning, talent management, and succession planning to ensure ongoing Supply Chain performance improvement. Lead CPSR and internal policy compliance, savings, continuous improvement initiatives, and Supply Chain metrics initiatives, while collaborating with program management, operations, engineering, finance, and other support functions. Lead and develop key supplier relationships at a senior level. Works collaboratively across the larger Supply Chain team to ensure availability of all direct material on time, to cost and to right quality. Responsible for the development and management of procurement metrics to ensure Draper goals and supplier performance objectives are met and maintained. Support strategic new business pursuits as a critical subject matter expert for the purchase of systems, goods, and services. Ensure favorable terms, risk management strategies and processes are deployed on critical procurement efforts. Lead and support all internal and external audits as required. Support Draper's strategic initiatives at the senior level. Influence and provide business direction through collaboration with cross-functional leadership to align goals. Skills/Abilities 7 years of experience in leading a Procurement team. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and understanding of ERP/MRP systems. PeopleSoft experience preferred. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to streamline processes, analyze complex data, and resolve issues efficiently. Ability to drive organizational transformation, innovation and cultivate a creative and agile environment. Solid working knowledge of defense supply chain and purchasing processes (FAR/DFARS). Education Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or related field; master's degree preferred. Experience 12 years of procurement and subcontracts experience in the aerospace and defense industry.

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Current in scope Secret security clearance is required. Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration. Job Location

• City:

  Cambridge Job Location

• State:

  Massachusetts Job Location

• Postal Code:

  02139-3563 The US base salary range for this full-time position is $150,000.00
• $320,000.

00 Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits. Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers. Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.