Senior Buyer

Position Summary:

The Senior Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring materials, supplies, and services to support operational and production requirements while achieving the best overall value for the organization. This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and delivery terms, evaluates vendor performance, and ensures procurement activities align with company objectives, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and contractual terms with suppliers and vendors to achieve optimal cost, quality, and service levels.
• Develop, evaluate, and maintain competitive sources of supply in support of operational goals and company policies.
• Conduct pre-award and post-award procurement evaluations and supplier performance reviews.
• Analyze and gather data to support negotiations involving pricing, delivery, quality requirements, and terms and conditions.
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships while driving continuous improvement and supplier value initiatives.
• Ensure adequate and reliable sources of supply to support production schedules and organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, quality, accounting, and materials teams to improve communication, coordination, and procurement support.
• Establish purchasing priorities and proactively resolve procurement-related issues and supply chain disruptions.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost effectiveness.
• Ensure purchase orders are processed and closed in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with accounting and materials departments regarding supplier returns, credits, and documentation accuracy.
• Audit and maintain purchasing database integrity and procurement records within ERP/MRP systems.
• Support strategic sourcing, inventory optimization, and supply chain improvement initiatives.
• Participate in process improvement and cost reduction projects across the supply chain organization.
• Mentor junior purchasing team members and contribute to departmental development initiatives as appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
• Follows company rules and procedures.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Professional certification such as CPM, CPSM, APICS, or related purchasing/supply chain certification preferred.
• 4–7 years of progressive procurement or purchasing experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and supplier management required.

Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of procurement principles, sourcing strategies, and supplier management practices.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, inventory control, quality systems, and supply chain processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and dimensional tolerances.
• Experience negotiating pricing, contracts, lead times, and supplier agreements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and integrated ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership potential with interest in advancing into purchasing or supply chain management roles.

Training Requirements:

On-the-job training: Six to twelve months including Syspro ERP system training

Travel Requirements:

Periodic travel may be required to support project functions such as supplier visits, product testing, and technical customer meetings.

ITAR Requirements:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Physical Demands: (*)

The position requires that the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel.  The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, and kneel. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment: (*)

This position will require a working environment mix comprised of office, shop floor, field and customer locations (both domestic and international). While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to static electricity; explosives in test conditions; fumes; airborne particles; outside weather conditions prevalent at the time and an air-conditioned and heated office. The noise level is normally moderate may be occasionally high.

*Note: Both the Physical Demand and Work Environment sections are required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

Airborne Systems is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Salary:  $85k – $110k Annually