Senior Buyer

Responsibilities

Procurement & Sourcing Strategy

• Develop and execute long-term sourcing and procurement strategies aligned with the company’s production goals and financial forecasts.
• Process requisitions and place purchase orders to ensure a continuous supply of materials and services, maintaining responsibility for each procurement until all items are received, accepted, invoiced and paid.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to ensure that Howmet receives best value for each purchasing dollar expended.
• Lead contractual negotiations with suppliers on NDAs, Terms & Conditions and Long-term agreements.
• Identify and implement cost reductions on new and series production products and services.
• Continuously evaluate market trends, raw material pricing fluctuations, and lead time to make proactive purchasing decisions.

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new vendors and suppliers based on cost, capacity, quality standards, and delivery reliability.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, payment schedules, and master service agreements with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Partner with underperforming suppliers to establish recovery, corrective, and preventative action plans.

Cost Optimization & Risk Management

• Identify cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing, volume rebates, or alternative material evaluations without compromising quality.
• Assess and mitigate supply chain risks, such as geopolitical disruptions, sole-source vulnerabilities, or capacity constraints, by developing secondary backup suppliers.
• Administer and track the departmental procurement budget.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, Quality Control, and Finance to align material availability with production schedules.
• Provide visibility into material shortages, market price shifts, and risk recovery timelines to executive leadership.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5 to 7+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, sourcing, or procurement within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency and ability to learn new systems.
• Strong data analysis skills to evaluate supplier spend, forecast demand, and conduct price/cost breakdowns.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., metal fabrication, machining, electronics, or raw material assembly depending on your specific niche).

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Preferred Credentials

• Professional certifications such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), or CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply).

Benefits

• Competitive wages and comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire.
• Health insurance: medical, dental, vision coverage including FSA and HSA account options.
• Excellent 401(k) matching program with pre-tax and Roth options, employer matching funds, and a separate employer retirement contribution.
• Paid holidays and vacation time (eligibility, accrual, and usage governed by applicable policies).
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs.
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans.
• Optional coverage plans for auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location.

About the Company

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world.