U.S company providing top-notch solutions for Defense and Space applications.

Industry: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Company Size: 201-500 employees

Safran Defense & Space, Inc.

Savvy Admin PROD

**About Our Mission**

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.

Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.

We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

**Position Profile**

The Vice President of Finance is responsible for all financial and accounting activities of the Optronics Business Unit. The focus includes U.S. GAAP and IFRS accountancy, financial planning and analysis, U.S. Government cost accounting, and ensuring full compliance with all U.S. regulations and corporate governance. The function requires implementation of the U.S. strategy in coherence with Safran Group strategy. Working with the local senior management team as well as the international management team will be crucial in being successful in this role.

**Responsibilities**

-  Main point of contact for the Optronics Business Unit President on any/all financial matters.

-  Key member of the Optronics Senior Leadership Team, coordinating on a daily basis with management.

-  Participating in the development of the organization’s strategic plans and programs by evaluating and advising on the financial impact of long-range planning, introduction of new programs/strategies and regulatory interaction.

-  Oversee the financial accounting, reporting, analysis and budget activities of the Optronics Business Unit.

-  Responsible for annual and mid-term business models and forecasts monthly financial management reports, and project cost reports.

-  Responsible for the accurate analysis of budgets and financial reports that will assist the BU President, DSI CEO, DSI CFO, Board, Parent company and other senior managers in managing their responsibilities.

-  Evaluating the finance team effectiveness as well as providing individuals with professional growth.

-  Enhancing and/or developing, implementing and enforcing policies and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness.

-  Taking the lead in managing and responding to inquiries from DoD and DoD-related agencies and their contractors with respect to financial input, including authorship of cost proposals.

-  Coordinating with staff of Safran Electronics & Defense (French parent) to ensure compliance with corporate governance.

-  Performing other duties as assigned.

**Supervisory Responsibilities**

- Responsible for leading a team of financial/accounting professionals, mentoring and motivating them for high quality work as well as dedication to the mission of the organization

**What You’ll Need To Be Successful**

-  Ten years of progressive experience in Accounting or Finance within a technology based company.

-  Experience leading a team and encouraging growth opportunities.

-  Strong command of Excel and enterprise systems, ideally SAP.

-  Direct experience with development of financial policies and procedures, cost accounting and overhead rate structures that are compliant with FAR, DFARS and CAS within a defense industry contracting environment.

-  Must have U.S. Protected Individual status.

**Ideally, You’ll Also Have**

-  MBA, CPA and/or CMA

-  Experience with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)

-  Experience working in an ITAR environment

-  Experience with Onestream software

-  Experience working for an international company, including regular interactions with foreign affiliates

-  Experience working in an ITAR environment

**Travel**

-  International travel will be required. There may also be some overnight travel outside the local area.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

**Eeo Statement & Accessibility**

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).

Vice President, Finance

**Safran DSI Business Unit: Optronics**

**About Our Mission**

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at **Safran Defense & Space, Inc. **!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, VA, is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: **Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry **.

Headquartered in Bedford, NH, **Safran DSI Optronics ** (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.

We operate in a **high-paced, high-energy environment ** that values individual and team success, professional growth, and a strong sense of mission. Our team is deeply committed to supporting our customers and giving back to our community—whether through veteran initiatives, STEM education, or higher education programs.

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, **Safran DSI is the perfect place to take your career to the next level. ** Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

**POSITION PROFILE: Senior Buyer – Strategic Procurement**

We are seeking a **highly experienced Senior Buyer ** with deep industry expertise and a proven track record managing **large, complex procurement portfolios **. This role requires a strategic thinker who can **negotiate confidently with international suppliers (including France) **, drive cost optimization, and position themselves for **future leadership opportunities within the team **.

**Key Responsibilities**

-  Lead strategic procurement for both New Product Introduction (NPI) and production purchasing across multiple commodities.

-  Manage large-scale procurement portfolios, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational priorities.

-  Develop and execute global sourcing strategies, including negotiations with international suppliers and Safran entities in France.

-  Implement risk mitigation programs to safeguard supply continuity and reduce vulnerabilities.

-  Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and securing favorable terms.

-  Analyze material requirements through MRP systems and ensure alignment with production schedules.

-  Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, production, quality) to support product development and continuous improvement.

-  Monitor market trends and commodity pricing to inform strategic decisions.

-  Drive process improvements, cost savings initiatives, and mentor junior team members.

-  Utilize SAP ERP for purchasing processes, inventory tracking, and demand forecasting.

-  Prepare for future leadership responsibilities, including team development and strategic planning.

**What You’ll Need To Be Successful**

-  Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.

-  10+ years of progressive procurement experience , including managing large, complex portfolios.

-  Demonstrated success in international negotiations, preferably with European suppliers.

-  Strong knowledge of Government Procurement, FAR, DFARS, and CPSR compliance.

-  Exceptional contract negotiation skills and ability to develop optimal sourcing strategies.

-  Excellent communication skills—verbal, written, and interpersonal.

-  Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while managing competing priorities.

-  U.S. Citizenship required.

**Ideal Qualifications**

-  Experience in the Defense Industry.

-  Familiarity with French language or business culture (a plus).

-  Leadership potential with a desire to grow into a management role.

**Travel: ** Up to 10%

**EEO Statement: ** EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – U.S. Protected Individual status required.

Senior Buyer

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