Strategic Buyer Lead - Mack Defense
Allentown, PA, US, 18103
Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.
What you will do
The Strategic Buyer plays a key role in sourcing, supplier management, and long-term procurement strategy for critical components in the manufacturing of wheeled military vehicles. This position is responsible for negotiating high-value contracts, optimizing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with defense industry regulations. The ideal candidate will focus on cost reduction, risk mitigation, and supplier performance, aligning procurement strategies with overall business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives for military vehicle components, ensuring cost efficiency and supplier reliability.
• Identify and onboard qualified defense industry suppliers, ensuring compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and FAR regulations.
• Establish long-term agreements (LTAs) with key suppliers to secure pricing, capacity, and supply chain resilience.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to align procurement with design and manufacturing requirements.
Supplier Management & Contract Negotiation
• Lead high-value contract negotiations with domestic and international suppliers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with critical and sole-source suppliers to ensure supply chain stability.
• Monitor supplier KPIs (cost, quality, on-time delivery, innovation) and implement corrective action plans as needed.
• Conduct supplier audits and risk assessments, ensuring financial and operational stability.
Cost Optimization & Risk Mitigation
• Analyze cost drivers, market trends, and geopolitical risks impacting the supply chain.
• Implement should-cost analysis and strategic cost reduction initiatives across the supplier base.
• Develop multi-sourcing strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions and reduce dependency on single suppliers.
• Support Make vs. Buy decisions by evaluating in-house manufacturing vs. outsourced procurement.
Compliance & Regulatory Adherence
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with defense acquisition regulations (ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and CMMC requirements).
• Work with legal and compliance teams to manage contract terms, warranties, and risk liabilities.
• Support audit and reporting requirements for government contracts and military programs.
Who are you?
Do you dream big? We do too, and we are excited to grow together.
Qualifications & Requirements:
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management within the defense or heavy vehicle manufacturing industry.
• Strong background in contract negotiations, supplier management, and cost analysis.
• Experience working with defense-related procurement regulations (ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and export compliance).
Technical & Soft Skills
• Advanced negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Strong analytical and financial acumen to drive cost efficiencies.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive supplier innovation.
• Strong understanding of military-grade materials, manufacturing processes, and quality standards.
Preferred Qualifications
• CPSM, CPIM, or CSCP certification is highly desirable.
• Experience managing suppliers in metal fabrication, electronics, and vehicle subsystems.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Value Engineering.
• Background in government contract negotiations and military vehicle procurement strategies.
What’s in it for you?
We offer a solid package of compensation and benefits, plus you will also:
• Play a pivotal role in strategic procurement for cutting-edge military vehicle programs.
• Work with industry-leading suppliers and defense partners to enhance national security.
• Enjoy competitive compensation, professional development, and career growth in a dynamic defense industry.
Ready for the next move?
Are you excited to bring your skills and ideas to the table? We can’t wait to hear from you. Apply today!
Who we are and what we believe in
We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.
Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.
Mack Trucks is part of Volvo Group. Founded in 1900, Mack Trucks is an iconic brand that embodies the American spirit: pioneering, hard-working, authentic and ambitious. Mack trucks are recognized around the world as “The American Truck You Can Count On,” thanks to our durable, reliable and application-driven vehicles that get the job done. With Mack Trucks you will be part of a global and diverse team. We work with passion, we trust each other and we embrace change to stay ahead. We make our customers win.
Nearest Major Market: Allentown