Strategic Buyer – Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Senior Strategic Buyer – Aerospace & Defense ManufacturingNear Steens, MS | Full-Time | 100% On-SiteThe OpportunityWe are conducting a confidential search for an experienced Senior Strategic Buyer to join a growing aerospace and defense manufacturing operation in the Columbus, Mississippi area.This opportunity is ideal for a procurement professional who enjoys taking ownership of supplier relationships, negotiating complex purchasing agreements, and ensuring critical materials are available to support demanding production schedules.Our client is seeking someone who can go beyond transactional purchasing to drive sourcing strategies, improve supplier performance, and deliver measurable cost savings in a highly technical manufacturing environment.What You'll Be DoingStrategic Sourcing: Lead procurement activities for engineered components, raw materials, fabricated parts, assemblies, and specialized manufacturing requirements.Supplier Development: Identify and evaluate suppliers based on technical capabilities, quality standards, pricing, lead times, and delivery performance.Contract Negotiations: Negotiate competitive pricing, purchasing terms, supplier agreements, and long-term sourcing arrangements.Cost Optimization: Develop and execute purchasing strategies that reduce material costs while maintaining quality and production requirements.Supplier Performance: Monitor supplier performance, resolve delivery or quality concerns, and proactively address supply chain disruptions.Production Support: Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations to ensure materials and components are available when needed.Purchasing Operations: Manage RFQs, purchase orders, supplier communications, procurement records, and purchasing activities through ERP/MRP systems.Inventory & Material Planning: Support inventory optimization, minimize shortages, and identify opportunities to reduce excess or obsolete materials.Regulatory Compliance: Ensure procurement activities align with applicable aerospace and defense standards, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and relevant trade requirements.Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline purchasing workflows, strengthen supplier relationships, and improve procurement efficiency.Team Collaboration: Share procurement expertise and provide guidance to less experienced purchasing professionals.What We're Looking For5+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management.Background in aerospace, defense, electronics, precision manufacturing, or another highly regulated manufacturing industry strongly preferred.Experience purchasing technical materials, engineered components, fabricated parts, or complex assemblies.Demonstrated success negotiating supplier agreements, reducing purchasing costs, and managing vendor relationships.Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and applicable procurement compliance requirements.Experience using ERP/MRP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, or similar systems.Ability to interpret technical purchasing requirements and collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams.Strong analytical skills, commercial judgment, and ability to manage competing priorities.Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPIM, or other recognized supply chain credentials are a plus.Why Explore This Opportunity?Meaningful Impact: Play a critical role in supporting complex aerospace and defense manufacturing programs.Strategic Ownership: Influence sourcing decisions, supplier partnerships, and purchasing performance.Technical Environment: Work with specialized components and sophisticated manufacturing requirements.Professional Growth: Expand your procurement expertise while contributing to an evolving manufacturing operation.Cross-Functional Exposure: Collaborate directly with engineering, production, quality, and supply chain leadership.Ready for Your Next Move?If you're a results-driven purchasing professional who thrives in technical manufacturing environments and enjoys finding smarter ways to source, negotiate, and deliver, we'd love to connect.Apply today for a confidential conversation about this opportunity.MOHR Talent is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.