Senior Buyer- Aerospace or Defense (preferred)

We’re partnering with an established aerospace and defense manufacturer in Columbus, MS that is hiring a Senior Buyer to support purchasing, sourcing, supplier management, and cost reduction.

About the role

This is a strong fit for a buyer who has worked with materials, components, sub-assemblies, engineered products, or regulated manufacturing suppliers. The right candidate will be hands-on with vendors, comfortable negotiating, and able to keep production moving while managing cost, quality, delivery, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing for materials, components, and design-to-specification items.
• Source, evaluate, and qualify suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and supplier agreements.
• Track purchase orders, RFQs, deliveries, and supplier performance.
• Partner with engineering, quality, production, and logistics teams.
• Support cost reduction and inventory control initiatives.
• Maintain purchasing records and documentation for audits.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and aerospace/defense requirements.
• Help improve procurement processes and supplier reliability.

Requirements

• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or buyer experience.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or engineered products preferred.
• Strong supplier management, negotiation, and cost reduction background.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms preferred.
• Knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, FAR, or import/export compliance is a plus.
• Strong Excel, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• APICS, ISM, CPSM, or CPIM certification is a plus.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in the aerospace and defense industry.
• High-impact role supporting production, supplier performance, and cost savings.
• Strong cross-functional exposure with engineering, quality, and operations.
• Great fit for someone who wants more than basic order processing.

Pay

$80,000-$90,000 salary range.

Schedule

Full-Time | Onsite