Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.
Position Overview:The Buyer III is a senior procurement professional responsible for managing tooling and maintenance inventory levels across the organization. This role requires advanced technical expertise in interpreting MRP (Material Requirements Planning) data, understanding demand signals, and ensuring optimal inventory levels to support manufacturing operations. The position plays a critical role in preventing production delays while minimizing excess inventory costs.
Primary Responsibilities:Inventory Management- Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels for tooling and maintenance items
- Analyze MRP data to identify and prevent potential stockouts or overstock situations
- Coordinate with maintenance teams to understand tooling lifecycles and replacement patterns
- Implement advanced inventory control techniques to balance service levels with inventory investment
Supply Chain Management - Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for critical tooling and maintenance items
- Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable supply
- Negotiate favorable pricing, terms, and service level agreements
- Identify alternate sources for critical parts to mitigate supply chain risks
Technical Analysis - Interpret complex MRP data and demand signals to make informed procurement decisions
- Analyze usage patterns and forecast future requirements for tooling and maintenance parts
- Evaluate technical specifications to ensure procured items meet engineering requirements
- Perform cost analysis and value engineering to identify cost-saving opportunities
Process Improvement - Identify and implement improvements to procurement and inventory management processes
- Develop KPIs and metrics to track performance and drive continuous improvement
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize the end-to-end supply chain
- Lead or participate in projects to enhance procurement systems and capabilities
Leadership & Collaboration - Mentor junior buyers and share technical knowledge
- Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams
- Provide regular reporting to management on key procurement metrics
- Serve as subject matter expert for tooling and maintenance procurement
Required Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 2 years specifically managing technical/industrial parts inventory
- Advanced understanding of MRP systems and inventory management principles
- Demonstrated experience interpreting demand signals and planning inventory accordingly
- Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent negotiation and supplier management capabilities
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, vlookup, data analysis)
- Knowledge of maintenance operations and tooling requirements
Preferred Qualifications:- CPSM, CSCP, or other relevant professional certification
- Experience with lean inventory management techniques
- Knowledge of predictive maintenance concepts and their impact on inventory planning
- Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt)
- Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau)
- Understanding of TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) principles
- Experience implementing inventory optimization software
Additional Information:- The position may require occasional travel to supplier facilities and other company locations
- This role involves coordination with multiple departments including Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and Finance
- Decision-making in this role directly impacts operational continuity and financial performance
Benefits- Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
- Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
- Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
- Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.
