Senior Buyer

Description

Position Summary: The Senior Buyer is responsible for planning, sourcing, negotiating, and procuring raw materials, outside processing services, production components, tooling, and indirect supplies necessary to support aerospace manufacturing operations. This position manages supplier relationships, analyzes purchasing data, negotiates contracts, ensures on-time delivery, and supports cost reduction initiatives while maintaining compliance with aerospace quality standards and customer requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Procure raw materials, aerospace components, hardware, and outside processing services to support production schedules and customer commitments.

· Develop and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers to ensure quality, cost competitiveness, and delivery performance.

· Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and supply agreements to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies.

· Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when quality, delivery, or service standards are not met.

· Review material requirements, inventory levels, and production schedules to determine purchasing needs.

· Issue and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.

· Work closely with Production Planning, Quality, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations departments to support manufacturing requirements.

· Identify and qualify alternate suppliers to mitigate supply chain risks.

· Track and expedite critical orders, resolving shortages and delivery issues.

· Analyze market trends, material availability, and lead times to support sourcing decisions.

· Support new product introductions and customer programs by sourcing materials and services that meet technical and quality requirements.

· Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and company purchasing procedures.

· Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier files, and procurement documentation.

· Prepare reports related to supplier performance, inventory levels, spend analysis, and cost reduction initiatives.

· Participate in supplier audits, business reviews, and continuous improvement activities.

· Mentor and provide guidance to Buyers and Purchasing Coordinators as needed.

Requirements

· Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.

· Minimum 5-8 years of purchasing or procurement experience in aerospace, manufacturing, defense, or a highly regulated industry.

· Experience sourcing aerospace materials, machined components, special processes, and production services.

· Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

· Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

· Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.

· Strong knowledge of inventory management and supply chain best practices.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Aerospace manufacturing experience.

· Knowledge of AS9100 quality standards.

· APICS, CPIM, CSCP, CPSM, or CPM certification.

· Experience with government contracts, defense programs, or FAA-regulated products.

· Experience with supplier quality management and supplier development.

· Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Advanced supplier negotiation and contract management skills.

· Strong understanding of purchasing, inventory control, and demand planning principles.

· Ability to analyze complex data and make sound business decisions.

· Knowledge of aerospace materials, special processing requirements, and manufacturing workflows.

· Ability to build effective internal and external relationships.

· Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.