Strategic Buyer – Aerospace Manufacturing

About the role

A growing aerospace and defense manufacturer is seeking a Strategic Buyer to support sourcing and supplier strategy for complex materials, components, and engineered products used in critical manufacturing programs. This position is ideal for a procurement professional who is strong in supplier negotiations, cost reduction, sourcing strategy, and working with technical and highly regulated suppliers. Location: West Point, MS (onsite). Full-time onsite position in Columbus.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activities for assigned materials, components, and subassemblies.
• Develop RFQs and evaluate supplier pricing, capability, quality, and lead times.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, delivery commitments, and long-term supplier agreements.
• Identify new suppliers and support supplier qualification and development.
• Drive cost-reduction and cost-avoidance initiatives.
• Analyze supplier performance, market conditions, pricing trends, and supply-chain risks.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality on technical requirements and supplier selection.
• Support supplier corrective actions and delivery-performance improvements.
• Manage sourcing projects involving engineered and design-to-specification components.
• Maintain procurement documentation in accordance with applicable aerospace and defense requirements.

Requirements

• 5+ years of purchasing, sourcing, or procurement experience.
• Manufacturing procurement experience.
• Strong supplier negotiation and sourcing experience.
• Experience purchasing direct materials, technical components, or engineered products.
• Proven cost-reduction or supplier-performance results.
• Experience with RFQs, supplier evaluations, pricing analysis, and contract terms.
• ERP or MRP experience.

Qualifications

• Aerospace or defense experience.
• Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and ITAR requirements.
• Government-contracting experience.
• Experience with SAP, Oracle, Deltek, or similar systems.
• Experience sourcing machined parts, electronics, assemblies, or other technical components.

Pay

Up to $110,000 + Benefits

Schedule

Full-time onsite position