Buyer III - Tooling/Maintenance Inventory

About the role

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which includes Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. It also covers Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels for tooling and maintenance items
• Analyze MRP data to identify and prevent potential stockouts or overstock situations
• Cook with maintenance teams to understand tooling lifecycles and replacement patterns
• Implement advanced inventory control techniques to balance service levels with inventory investment
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for critical tooling and maintenance items
• Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable supply
• Negotiate favorable pricing, terms, and service level agreements
• Identify alternate sources for critical parts to mitigate supply chain risks
• Interpret complex MRP data and demand signals to make informed procurement decisions
• Analyze usage patterns and forecast future requirements for tooling and maintenance parts
• Evaluate technical specifications to ensure procured items meet engineering requirements
• Perform cost analysis and value engineering to identify cost-saving opportunities
• Identify and implement improvements to procurement and inventory management processes
• Develop KPIs and metrics to track performance and drive continuous improvement
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize the end-to-end supply chain
• Lead or participate in projects to enhance procurement systems and capabilities
• Mentor junior buyers and share technical knowledge
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams
• Provide regular reporting to management on key procurement metrics
• Serve as subject matter expert for tooling and maintenance procurement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 2 years specifically managing technical/industrial parts inventory
• Advanced understanding of MRP systems and inventory management principles
• Demonstrated experience interpreting demand signals and planning inventory accordingly
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management capabilities
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, vlookup, data analysis)
• Knowledge of maintenance operations and tooling requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• CPSM, CSCP, or other relevant professional certification
• Experience with lean inventory management techniques
• Knowledge of predictive maintenance concepts and their impact on inventory planning
• Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt)
• Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• Understanding of TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) principles
• Experience implementing inventory optimization software

Additional Information

The position may require occasional travel to supplier facilities and other company locations. This role involves coordination with multiple departments including Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and Finance. Decision-making in this role directly impacts operational continuity and financial performance.

Company Culture

We are dedicated to building an authentic workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law.