Sr Buyer

About the Role

Rubbercraft is seeking a highly analytical Senior Strategic Buyer to support its aerospace manufacturing operations through strategic sourcing, supplier development, procurement analytics, and inventory optimization. This position partners with Engineering, Planning, Operations, Quality, and Maintenance to ensure uninterrupted material flow while reducing total cost, improving supplier performance, mitigating supply chain risk, and supporting operational excellence. The successful candidate is a strategic thinker who leverages data, ERP systems, advanced Excel, business intelligence tools, and AI-enabled technologies to make informed purchasing decisions and continuously improve procurement processes.

Rubbercraft is a trusted leader in engineered elastomer solutions serving aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Our team designs and manufactures precision-molded seals, gaskets, and custom rubber components that perform in the most demanding environments. We take pride in craftsmanship, collaboration, and a culture built on innovation and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, long-term agreements, and commodity strategies that support business objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while driving measurable improvements in quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.
• Evaluate supplier quotations using total cost of ownership, supplier capability, lead time, quality, capacity, and risk.
• Perform spend analysis, purchase price variance (PPV) analysis, and identify opportunities for supplier consolidation and cost savings.
• Develop supplier scorecards and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive supplier accountability and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Planning, Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Quality to ensure material availability and support production schedules.
• Support inventory optimization initiatives including Kanban, Safety Stock, Min/Max planning, cycle counting, and inventory accuracy.
• Analyze inventory trends, demand forecasts, and purchasing data to improve inventory turns while minimizing shortages and excess inventory.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through dual sourcing, supplier risk assessments, and business continuity planning.
• Maintain accurate procurement data within the ERP system and ensure compliance with applicable quality and regulatory requirements.
• Drive Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain processes.
• Leverage AI-enabled tools to improve sourcing decisions, automate routine activities, enhance reporting, and increase procurement efficiency.
• Prepare dashboards and executive-level reports highlighting supplier performance, procurement KPIs, inventory trends, and cost savings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of purchasing experience in aerospace, manufacturing, or industrial environments.
• APICS/ASCM, CPSM, or ISM certification preferred.

Skills

• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP, Power Query, and advanced data analysis.
• Experience with Power BI or similar business intelligence tools preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial maintenance parts, OEM suppliers, and strategic sourcing methodologies.
• Strong understanding of procurement best practices, inventory control, Kanban, Safety Stock, and inventory optimization.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex procurement and inventory data.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Experience creating procurement dashboards, KPIs, and supplier performance metrics.
• Experience using AI-enabled tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or equivalent technologies to improve procurement efficiency and decision-making.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems, ITAR/EAR requirements, and aerospace procurement practices, as applicable.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams.

Measures of Success

• Achievement of annual cost savings and PPV targets.
• Improved supplier on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Improved inventory turns and reduced excess inventory.
• High ERP data integrity and procurement KPI performance.
• Successful implementation of continuous improvement and digital procurement initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Sourcing
• Business Acumen
• Data Analytics
• Supplier Development
• Negotiation
• Risk Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Customer Focus
• Results Orientation

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• Accident insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Employee assistance plan
• Retirement savings and matching
• Developmental opportunities

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.