Senior Category Manager at The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary

The Aerospace Supply Chain organization is seeking a strategic and results-driven Senior Category Manager (Subcontracts Admin Staff V) to lead procurement activities for critical indirect categories including Research & Development (R&D), Prototyping, Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO), Calibration services, and Enterprise Services.

In this high-impact role, you will develop and execute category strategies that drive cost savings, ensure supply continuity, and align with corporate objectives. You'll lead vendor negotiations, conduct market analysis, and build strong cross-functional partnerships to deliver value across the organization. The ideal candidate brings 5-7 years of procurement and strategic sourcing experience, with a proven track record in managing indirect categories and delivering measurable results in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Our Supply Chain organization manages all aspects of procurement for the entire corporation, offering the opportunity to be part of a diverse team that procures a wide range of capital, indirect, and government-funded products and services—including IT, specialized equipment, research and development, facilities services, engineering, design, and construction.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead strategic sourcing and category management for Research & Development (R&D), Prototyping, Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO), and Calibration services, with additional responsibility for Enterprise Services as needed
• Develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives, drive cost savings, and ensure supply continuity
• Manage sourcing activities for assigned indirect commodities, including goods and services, while executing and overseeing the timely award of contracts and purchase orders
• Conduct market analysis and supplier assessments to identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and risk mitigation.
• Lead vendor negotiations to secure favorable pricing, delivery terms, and service level agreements
• Track and report procurement savings and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across R&D, Operations, Quality, and other functions to understand requirements and deliver value
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and support business initiatives
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues or discrepancies promptly to maintain operational excellence
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for audit purposes and contract compliance

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Category Manager (Subcontract Administration Staff V) include:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration or a related field is required
• A minimum of (5) years of hands-on experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Category Management is required
• Demonstrated experience in procurement planning, strategic sourcing, and executing procurement plans for indirect categories
• Proven experience managing R&D, MRO, Prototyping, and/or Calibration categories
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with strong attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating procurement data, market trends, and vendor performance, with experience in presenting data analysis summaries to various audiences, including senior management

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field
• Certification in Supply Chain Management (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CPM)
• Experience managing Enterprise Services categories (e.g., consulting, professional services, contingent workforce)
• Familiarity with SAP / ARIBA (source to pay) systems
• Experience in the aerospace or highly regulated industry supporting indirect commodities
• Track record of delivering significant cost savings and process improvements through strategic sourcing initiatives

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max) $120,300.00 - $180,400.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.