Procurement Specialist in Norfolk, Virginia at Protora

About Protora

Protora is formerly C Speed. We build radar and surveillance systems that give military and government customers eyes on their airspace, borders, and critical sites. Our name draws from the Praetorian Guard, elite soldiers whose job was to watch and protect. That history shapes our mission today: we take first watch, so the people we protect don't have to. We are a growing company with a new brand and a clear direction.

The Role

Protora is seeking a Procurement Specialist to support engineering, production, and program needs across multiple sites and projects. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Global Supply Chain & Procurement, this role manages day-to-day sourcing, purchasing, supplier coordination, and delivery of materials, equipment, and services.

The ideal candidate is adaptable, organized, and skilled at negotiation and supplier collaboration, with a strong focus on cost, quality, delivery, and regulatory compliance.

What You'll Do

• Manage procurement activities supporting engineering, production, and program needs, including sourcing, purchasing, and coordinating delivery of parts, materials, equipment, and services.
• Execute established procurement and supplier strategies in day-to-day operations.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships to support quality, competitive pricing, and timely delivery in accordance with contractual requirements.
• Analyze material requirements, forecast inventory needs, and initiate purchase requests to help maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, terms, and contracts while balancing cost, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Use procurement and inventory management systems to track purchase orders, supplier performance, and vendor compliance.
• Coordinate shipping and receiving activities, including import/export documentation and compliance, as assigned; confirm site-specific scope.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, finance, operations, and other stakeholders to identify needs and resolve procurement issues.
• Support compliance with applicable FAR, DFARS, and ITAR requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase procurement efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work under general direction to develop practical solutions to procurement challenges.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management.
• Experience with purchasing processes in a technical or industrial environment.
• Familiarity with procurement and inventory management systems (ERP/MRP).
• Knowledge of applicable government procurement regulations and international sourcing requirements, including FAR, DFARS, and ITAR.
• Strong negotiation, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with on-site and remote teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in defense, government contracting, aerospace, or manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated success negotiating contracts and achieving cost savings.
• Understanding of accounting and finance procedures related to procurement and sourcing.
• Experience working within ISO 9001:2015 procedures.

Compensation | Benefits | Location

• Hourly Rate: $33.17 - $36.06 per hour (commensurate with experience).
• Benefits: Health, Dental & Vision Insurance | Paid Time Off (PTO) | Retirement Plan Package.
• Location: Norfolk, VA (On-site) | This is an on-site position based in Norfolk, VA. Temporary remote work may be permitted until the new facility is operational, depending on the hiring timeline and facility readiness.

Why Join Protora

• Be part of the mission. Help ensure that the materials and services behind Protora’s critical systems and programs are available when needed.
• Make an impact. Support supplier performance, cost management, and reliable delivery across growing operations.
• Work across the business. Partner with engineering, production, finance, operations, and suppliers to solve real procurement challenges.

Ready To Join the Mission?

Protora is always looking for talented professionals who want to do meaningful work with a team that treats every challenge like a mission.

For more information about Protora, please visit our website: http://protoratech.com

Protora provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.