Senior Buyer

Location: Columbus, MS • Full-Time, Permanent

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Buyer to lead strategic sourcing, supplier management, purchasing, and cost-reduction initiatives supporting high-performance aerospace and defense programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and supplier management activities
• Identify, qualify, and develop reliable aerospace and defense suppliers
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms, conditions, and lead times
• Drive cost reductions across materials, components, sub-assemblies, and design-to-specification items
• Manage RFQs, purchase orders, expediting, and supplier performance
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams
• Monitor inventory, delivery, quality, and supplier performance
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and other applicable regulations
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost savings, and supply chain optimization
• Mentor and support junior purchasing team members

Requirements

• 5+ years of procurement or buying experience
• Aerospace or Defense industry experience preferred
• Strong strategic sourcing and supplier management experience
• Proven negotiation and cost reduction experience
• Experience with materials, components, sub-assemblies, and design-to-specification items
• Knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, and FAR
• Experience with ERP or MRP systems, including SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field
• Strong analytical, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS or ISM certification such as CPSM or CPIM
• Aerospace or defense manufacturing procurement experience
• Demonstrated success in supplier cost reduction and supply chain improvement

Why Join Us

This is an excellent opportunity to join a team supporting critical aerospace and defense programs while having a direct impact on cost, quality, supplier performance, and on-time delivery.