Senior Buyer

Job Summary The Senior Buyer plays a critical role in ensuring the reliable, cost‑effective, and compliant procurement of materials, components, and services required for aerospace manufacturing and operations. This position is responsible for managing strategic suppliers, negotiating high‑value contracts, mitigating supply chain risks, and ensuring adherence to industry standards such as AS9100, ITAR, and FAR/DFARS requirements. The Senior Buyer partners closely with engineering, quality, production, and program management to support on time delivery and long‑term business objectives. Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Develop and execute sourcing strategies for complex aerospace components, raw materials, and specialized services. Manage end-to-end procurement for complex aerospace categories (e.g., Outsource machined parts, electronics, composites, castings, or specialized hardware). Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers in accordance with aerospace regulatory and quality standards. Ensure all purchasing activities comply with AS9100 , NADCAP , ITAR , EAR , and FAR/DFARS regulations where applicable. Identify and implement cost-saving and cost-avoidance initiatives without compromising quality or delivery timelines. Lead competitive bid processes, cost analyses, and purchase justifications to streamline supplier selection and evaluation. Supplier Management Monitor and manage critical aerospace suppliers. Track key metrics such as On-Time Delivery (OTD) and First Pass Yield (FPY). Partner with Quality Assurance to address supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) & Drive supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives. Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers. Contracting & Negotiation Negotiate pricing, terms, long‑term agreements, and risk‑sharing arrangements. Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, FAR/DFARS, and customer‑specific flow‑down requirements. Manage contract lifecycle activities including renewals, amendments, and performance reviews. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Work closely with engineering to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and BOM requirements. Partner with production planning to ensure material availability and resolve supply constraints. Collaborate with quality teams on supplier audits, FAI requirements, and non‑conformance resolution. Data, Reporting & Risk Management Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and supply chain risks to support decision‑making. Maintain accurate procurement data in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor). Develop mitigation plans for long‑lead items, sole‑source suppliers, and critical components. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (master’s is a plus). 5–10+ years of procurement experience, with at least 3 years in the aerospace or defense industry . Strong understanding of AS9100 , ITAR/EAR , and FAR/DFARS compliance. Proven track record of negotiating complex, high‑value contracts. Experience with ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel or analytics tools. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications. Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and supplier‑relationship skills. Professional certifications (e.g., CPM, CPSM, CSCP, CPIM ) are a plus. ## Core Competencies Strategic thinking and long-term planning Strong analytical and financial acumen Supplier development and performance management Cross-functional leadership Risk assessment and mitigation High attention to detail in a regulated environment Why This Role Matters Senior Buyers in aerospace aren’t just purchasing parts—they’re safeguarding production schedules, ensuring regulatory compliance, and shaping the resilience of the entire supply chain. This role directly impacts product quality, customer satisfaction, and the company’s competitive position in a demanding industry. Pay: $85,000.00…

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