Senior Buyer

PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Following established procedures, purchase materials, raw materials, components, castings, MRO, Outside Processing, equipment, and services in accordance with customer specifications and requirements established by requesting Company organizations.  Establishes, maintains, and selects procurement sources and follow-ups and coordinates resolution of problems. Assists in training / coaching of Jr. Buyers/ Buyer I and Buyer II.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Recommends selection of supply sources in accordance with Company and government guidelines based on an evaluation of supplier facilities, operation capabilities, pricing policies, performance track record and financial stability.
2. Works with master scheduler/planning department to establish price and delivery parameters and negotiates contracts including price, delivery, terms and conditions with vendors.
3. Prepares bid list of qualified vendors, reviews bids when returned, and selects vendors for negotiation of final pricing, terms and conditions, consults management for final award.
4. Follow-up on purchase orders to ensure compliance with delivery schedules and to coordinate resolution of delays or problems that arise.
5. Enters new purchase orders into ERP/MRP system and prepares reports and maintains supplier records.
6. Negotiates contracts and handles procurements involving significant dollar amounts; more frequent persuasive/advisory contacts with vendors, including consolidation of vendors, coordinate tool transfers, qualify potential suppliers, and negotiate cost reductions.
7. Purchases services or complex materials such as castings & forgings and raw materials, miscellaneous hardware, and outside processing as assigned. Will need to be able to flex across multiple commodities in order to support team members level load.
8. Will participate in establishing price and lead time requirements and lead lower-level Buyers in procurement activities including scheduling and forecasting.
9. Establishes forecast through interaction with Sales and Planning; builds a relationship with interdepartmental individuals to develop thorough Purchasing strategies.
10. Sourcing new vendors outside to also include international vendors which meet aerospace requirements.
11. Mentors, leads, trains, and provides guidance to lower-level buyers

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

1. To conform to U.S. export control regulations, applicant should be eligible for any required authorizations from the U.S. Government.
2. Proficient in spoken and written English 
3. Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) from four-year college or university in Business or Manufacturing Technology; and/or equivalent years’ experience in Aerospace field.
4. Five to Eight years of directly related procurement experience in a manufacturing environment; and
5. Aerospace experience supporting aftermarket activities is desirable.
6. Knowledge and experience in aerospace purchasing metals, forgings, castings, machining is ideal.
7. APICS Certification is desirable; and/or
8. Equivalent combination of education and experience

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Must have knowledge of Company and government procurement policies, procedures, and documentation and the Company’s ERP system.
2. Must be able to read blueprints, negotiate contract terms and conditions, and be able to utilize interpersonal relations skills to enhance supplier relations.
3. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
4. Excellent PC skills including Excel and other MS Office applications.
5. Ability to comprehend and demonstrate capability resulting in execution of assigned tasks, with little or no direct oversight.  
6. Must be able to work independently and demonstrate results driven work ethic.
7. Must demonstrate the ability to function well in a high-paced and at times, stressful environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• General office environment with office equipment usage. Requires usage of computer and computer software. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Answers telephone calls and occasionally bends over, reaches and pushes and pulls file drawers. Moves within the office and factory to collect, deliver, and copy documents. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.