Senior Buyer - Aerospace Components

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for aerospace components, raw materials, and outside processing services.
• Establish and negotiate long-term agreements (LTAs) with key suppliers to secure fixed pricing, capacity commitments, and favorable terms.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance, including on-time delivery (OTD), quality, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
• Collaborate with production planning, engineering, and quality teams to ensure material availability aligns with production schedules.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including capacity constraints, single-source dependencies, obsolescence, and geopolitical impacts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to enhance quality, reduce lead times, and optimize cost structures.
• Analyze market trends, material pricing, and supplier capabilities to inform sourcing decisions and negotiation strategies.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data within ERP/MRP systems, including pricing, lead times, and supplier records.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) efforts by sourcing qualified suppliers and ensuring readiness for production ramp-up.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, DPAS, and customer-specific requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of procurement or supply chain experience in aerospace or a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating long-term agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials, machining processes, and outside processing (e.g., heat treat, plating, NDT).
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Proven ability to analyze data and drive decisions related to cost, delivery, and supplier performance.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and regulatory requirements such as ITAR and export controls.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification such as CPSM, CPM, or APICS CPIM/CSCP.
• Experience supporting CNC machining environments or complex aerospace assemblies.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

Work Environment

Office-based role within a manufacturing facility. Occasional travel to supplier sites for audits, performance reviews, and relationship management.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Opportunities for advancement and skill development.
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending account/health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance