Placing People First!

People Placers Staffing is seeking a CapEx Acquisition Lead & Contracts Manager on behalf of our bespoke client — a leader in advanced manufacturing and aerostructures based in Kinston, NC.

Position: CapEx Acquisition Lead & Contracts Manager

Location: Kinston, NC (Onsite)

Schedule: Full-time, onsite

Compensation: Competitive base salary + performance incentive compensation (including potential profit-sharing and retirement savings plan eligibility)

About the Opportunity

This is a high-impact leadership role within a world-class manufacturing environment. You will oversee ~$200M in capital expenditures over a two-year period, managing end-to-end business cases, contractor performance, and commercial strategy. This position sits at the intersection of maintenance engineering, procurement, and financial governance — ideal for someone who thrives on driving value, mitigating risk, and building long-term strategic supplier relationships.

You'll work directly with internal engineering teams and external service providers to ensure safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness across a broad portfolio of industrial assets including CNC machinery, automated guided vehicles, industrial autoclaves, jigs and tools, and conventional production equipment.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Project manage CapEx business cases end-to-end (~$200M over two years)
• Ensure contractor performance delivers cost-effective asset safety and reliability
• Develop and deliver the contracting strategy, engaging all key stakeholders
• Prepare commercial summaries and governance reports (scorecards, briefs, management presentations)
• Champion a safety-first culture within the maintenance organization
• Manage annual budgeting — prepare, deliver, and track adherence
• Own a non-payroll budget (typical delegation of $XXM)
• Develop spare parts strategies for the most critical assets
• Control spend and manage financial risk — anticipate deviations and mitigate in real time
• Drive cost savings in contracted services through resource efficiency and process improvement
• Develop and maintain long-term relationships with key strategic suppliers
• Implement commercial scorecards and performance measurement across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People
• Report business performance in a structured monthly/quarterly/annual "drum beat" cadence
• Conduct deep dives where performance gaps emerge and implement corrective actions
• Support procurement in contract negotiations to secure value and service levels
• Contribute to the overall maintenance strategy, aligning commercial, manufacturing, and procurement objectives

What You Bring

Required Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in Contract Management OR
• 2+ years of relevant experience with a Master's Degree

Additional Requirements:

• U.S. Person under ITAR definition OR eligible to work in the U.S.
• Travel: ~5% domestic and international; able to travel independently and at short notice

Physical Requirements

• 100% onsite presence
• Ability to see/read computer screens, documents, reports, and engineering drawings
• Ability to hear safety warnings, alarms, and participate in conversations (in-person and via phone/teleconference)
• Ability to speak and present in meetings
• Ability to operate office equipment and some production tools (e.g., hydraulic lifts)
• Ability to carry, lift, push, and pull items up to 30 lbs / 14 kgs
• Ability to sit for extended periods; squat/kneel occasionally for low shelving access
• Ability to walk through office and production areas, including uneven surfaces
• Required PPE: Safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators/masks, and protective gloves as needed

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Our client is at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, producing large-scale composite aerostructures for next-generation aircraft. You'll join a team of skilled professionals passionate about aviation and engineering excellence. The facility features a broad range of cutting-edge industrial assets ranging from new equipment to 15-year-old machinery — offering diverse technical challenges and continuous learning opportunities.

Benefits & Perks Include:

• Financial Rewards: Competitive pay, incentive compensation, potential profit-sharing, retirement savings plan, and eligibility to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off including personal time, holidays, and a paid parental leave program
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and other supplemental coverages
• Individual Development: Access to 10,000+ e-learning courses, leadership development programs, certifications, career pathing, and both national and international mobility opportunities
• Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates

Equal Opportunity

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

People Placers Staffing is proud to represent our bespoke client in filling this critical role. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. For more information or to apply, please submit your resume for consideration.

Note: Employment is at-will. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise job duties as business needs evolve.