Riverbend Energetics

Compensation

Full Description

# Strategic Sourcing Manager ## About the Role Riverbend Energetics is seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead procurement strategy for our specialized defense manufacturing operations in Alton, IL. In this critical role, you will develop and execute sourcing strategies that ensure a resilient, compliant supply base for energetic components, detonation systems, and CAD/PAD programs supporting the U.S. defense industry. This is a high-impact opportunity for a supply chain professional who thrives in a highly regulated, mission-driven environment where supply continuity directly affects national defense readiness. ## Key Responsibilities - Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for raw materials, energetic compounds, electronic components, and specialized manufacturing services in support of defense programs - Identify, qualify, and manage a diverse supplier base in accordance with DFARS, FAR, and applicable military specifications, ensuring suppliers meet quality, delivery, and regulatory requirements - Lead competitive bidding processes, supplier negotiations, and contract execution to achieve best-value outcomes while maintaining supply chain integrity - Conduct supplier risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to protect program schedules and ensure continuity of supply for critical energetic materials - Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Operations teams to align sourcing strategies with program requirements and new product development timelines - Monitor supplier performance through established KPIs, lead quarterly business reviews, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base - Ensure all procurement activities comply with government contracting requirements, export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), and company policies ## Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field - Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing or supply chain management, with at least 2 years in a defense or aerospace manufacturing environment - Demonstrated knowledge of FAR/DFARS regulations and government contracting requirements - Proven experience leading supplier negotiations and managing multi-year supply agreements - Familiarity with export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR compliance requirements - Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret cost models, market data, and supplier financial health indicators - Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance ## Preferred Qualifications - Experience sourcing energetic materials, pyrotechnic components, or other hazardous/regulated materials - Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above) - CPSM, CPIM, or equivalent professional supply chain certification - Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment (SAP, Oracle, or similar) - Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO quality management systems - Knowledge of MIL-SPEC and military standard procurement requirements ## What We Offer - Competitive salary ranging from $100,000 – $125,000, commensurate with experience - Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match - The opportunity to contribute to meaningful national defense programs in a specialized, growing industry - A collaborative, close-knit team environment at a 150-person company where your contributions have direct, visible impact on organizational success Key Requirements • Defense Regulatory Fluency (FAR/DFARS/ITAR): Riverbend operates in one of the most heavily regulated niches in defense manufacturing - energetic components and CAD/PAD systems. A sourcing manager who treats compliance as a checklist creates program risk; one who has internalized FAR/DFARS and ITAR/EAR as a lens for every sourcing decision protects program schedules, prevents costly violations, and keeps Riverbend's government contracts intact. • Supply Chain Resilience Engineering for Sole-Source or Restricted Materials: Energetic compounds, specialty propellants, and detonation components often have extremely limited supplier pools, long lead times, and regulatory restrictions on sourcing alternatives. A great candidate doesn't just manage existing suppliers - they proactively architect backup supply paths, qualify alternates before they're needed, and build mitigation strategies that prevent a single supplier failure from stopping a defense program. • Cross-Functional Influence Without Authority: At a 150-person company, the Strategic Sourcing Manager must drive alignment across Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Operations without owning those functions. Sourcing decisions at Riverbend directly affect program timelines and national defense readiness, so the ability to build credibility, navigate competing priorities, and influence technical and program stakeholders is as important as procurement expertise itself. • Sophisticated Negotiation in Constrained Markets: Defense sourcing for energetic and pyrotechnic components rarely offers the leverage of a competitive open market. Great candidates understand how to negotiate value - through total cost modeling, long-term volume commitments, schedule reliability, and relationship capital - even when switching costs are high and alternatives are few. Riverbend's $100K-$125K investment in this role must translate directly to favorable multi-year agreements that protect margins on defense contracts. • Mission-Driven Accountability in a High-Stakes, Small-Team Environment: At 150 people, there is no procurement bureaucracy to absorb mistakes or diffuse accountability. Riverbend's programs directly support defense readiness, meaning a missed delivery or failed qualification has consequences beyond a business metric. The ideal candidate takes personal ownership of outcomes, operates with urgency proportional to the stakes, and is motivated by mission impact rather than corporate ladder-climbing - a cultural fit as much as a competency. About Riverbend Energetics Riverbend Energetics is a defense and industrial manufacturer based in Alton, IL. We develop and produce energetic materials and specialty munitions for U.S. defense and allied customers. Our mission-critical work demands precision, safety, and a commitment to excellence.