Buyer – Aerospace & Defense

Buyer Key member of the supply chain management team at the company's Huntsville, AL Performance Center. This role is responsible for managing and leading suppliers for assigned programs (BOM management) and/or commodities/vendors. The Buyer is accountable for BOM costs and supplier cost reduction to meet or exceed budgeted targets, as well as supplier performance across inventory levels, on-time delivery, quality, and lead-time flexibility. This position plays a critical role in supporting the Performance Center's AOP, profitability, and working capital goals, while ensuring compliance with procurement policies and maintaining data accuracy within the ERP system. This is an on-site position. Job Summary - Manage and lead suppliers from initial supplier selection and RFQ/RFP through negotiation of cost, delivery schedules, and inventory management to meet program and project requirements - Oversee supplier execution including PO kick-offs, PO changes, and updates to align with operational and customer expectations - Own procurement activities within assigned commodities or programs, ensuring cost, quality, and delivery objectives are achieved - Collaborate cross-functionally with planning, program management, operations, quality, and engineering teams to drive supplier accountability and performance - Utilize ERP/MRP systems to proactively identify material risks and implement mitigation strategies to support operational and customer service goals - Lead supplier performance improvement initiatives, including quarterly scorecard reviews and action plans - Drive results and implement solutions to support operational excellence and customer satisfaction - Review MRP exception messages, purchase order status, and action reports daily, taking appropriate actions as needed - Identify alternate solutions for obsolete components and partner with engineering for approvals - Develop new or alternate sources of supply to improve supplier performance and optimize the supply base - Maintain accuracy of purchasing data within company systems - Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures - Manage and properly handle hazardous waste generated within the work area - Perform additional duties as assigned Required Skills and Qualifications - Strong experience in supply chain and supplier management - Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and process flow charts - Experience with MRP/ERP systems required - Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and general internet navigation - Strong communication and interpersonal skills - Must be able to work on-site in Huntsville, AL Required Education and Experience - High School Diploma or GED required - Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred - 1–3 years of professional purchasing or relevant supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment Compliance Requirement This position requires access to export-controlled information and/or hardware. Candidates must qualify as U.S. Persons in compliance with all applicable U.S. export control laws and regulations, including ITAR and EAR requirements (e.g., U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or other protected status as defined by law). Other Details - Position type: Full Time - Travel: ~20% - Sponsorship: No - Relocation: Partial relocation package - Benefits: Full benefits - Guarantee: 90-day placement guarantee (payment subject to candidate meeting 90 days of employment) - Candidate bonus potential: $0 Screening Questions (do NOT ask about current salary or compensation history) - Are you able to work on-site in Huntsville, AL? - Can you walk me through your experience managing suppliers, including sourcing, negotiations, and ongoing performance management? - Have you worked in the aerospace, defense, or industrial markets in a manufacturing environment before? If so, how did you support cost, quality, and delivery objectives? - What experience do you have working with ERP or MRP systems, and how have you used them to manage purchasing or material planning?