SUMMARYBuyer IV is responsible for the procurement of complex commodities and services in support of production operations and new product introductions (NPI). This role requires strong sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management skills, particularly within a government contracting environment. Buyer IV ensures compliance with corporate policies, FAR/DFAR regulations, and program-specific requirements. Minimal supervision is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Manage assigned commodities such as castings; forgings; complex sub-assemblies; and assemblies using MRP tools to ensure timely procurement and inventory alignment with production schedules.
- Actively expedite or reschedule supplier deliveries as needed to support manufacturing priorities.
- Issue and manage Requests for Quote (RFQs), analyze supplier proposals, and recommend sourcing strategies.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, terms, and delivery schedules in alignment with cost targets and contractual requirements.
- Prepare and issue accurate and compliant purchase orders, incorporating all required corporate and government terms and conditions.
- Enforce supplier accountability through regular status updates and schedule adherence reviews, including line-of-balance assessments.
- Lead supplier meetings and corrective action plans to address non-conformance, late deliveries, or contractual discrepancies.
- Track and manage key procurement metrics: spend analysis, PPV, inventory turns, and supplier on-time delivery.
- Act as liaison between Supply Chain and internal stakeholders (Quality, Engineering, Accounting, and Program Management) for supplier-related matters.
- Maintain accurate and current purchasing data in the ERP system, including pricing, delivery, and PO modifications.
- Coordinate government-owned tooling and controlled unclassified information (CUI) purchases.
- Support government contracting requirements, including FAR/DFAR flow-downs, TINA compliance, and preparation of Small Business Plans.
- Participate in the development and execution of long-term agreements (LTAs) with strategic suppliers.
- Continuously assess market conditions and recommend strategies for cost reduction, lead time improvement, and risk mitigation.
- Collaborate and support other departments needing SC's support, e.g. Quality- audit, NC/RTV communication to suppliers, Engineer- NPI, ECO/ERD communication to suppliers, Accounting- Invoice discrepancies, etc.
- Continually assess market conditions to identify, recommend, and carry out supply chain management strategy.
- Ensures compliance to government laws, regulations and procurement policies and procedures Identifies problem areas, initiates corrective action and establishes problem resolution dates in a timely manner
- Other duties as assigned by management.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
REQUIRED- Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS) in Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred and minimum of 8 years of procurement experience in an aerospace/defense manufacturing environment; or 10+ years minimum of procurement experience sourcing complex parts in aerospace environment.
- In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes (e.g., castings, forgings, CNC machining, anodizing, heat treatment)
- Strong understanding of FAR/DFAR, TINA, and small business subcontracting programs.
SKILLS AND COMPENTENCIES- Ability to read and interpret procurement documentation, government regulations, and technical specifications.
- Skilled in basic and intermediate business mathematics, including cost analysis, percentages, and algebra.
- Capable of solving problems and making decisions using sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
- Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
- Negotiation: Skilled in negotiating terms and pricing with suppliers under government and commercial constraints.
- Analytical Thinking: Able to interpret complex data and develop effective procurement strategies.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to work across departments and with suppliers under pressure.
- Compliance Focused: Demonstrated understanding of and adherence to federal procurement regulations.
- ERP/Software Proficiency: Experience with ERP/MRP systems; proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Business Acumen - Understands broader business goals and aligns procurement strategy accordingly.
- Cost-Consciousness - Actively seeks cost savings and efficiency improvements.
- Teamwork - Collaborates effectively with internal teams and fosters supplier partnerships.
- Initiative - Proactively identifies issues, proposes solutions, and drives improvements.
- Dependability - Meets commitments, adheres to schedules, and delivers results.
- Professionalism - Maintains high ethical standards and represents the company with integrity.
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe 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.
- Ability to perform essential Buyer IV tasks, including primarily sitting (often >75% of the day), with occasional standing, walking (around office, to printer, etc.) and sometimes climbing stairs.
- Occasional bending, stooping, reaching (overhead, low), twisting, and maintaining stationary positions.
- Vision, hearing, and manual dexterity sufficient to perform necessary tasks such as using a mouse, handling document, operation phones and other office machinery.
- Ability to occasionally lift or carry 10-25 pounds (files, boxes, equipment, etc).
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Primarily in an indoor, climate-controlled settings but some exposure to aerospace manufacturing environment which includes typical conditions including equipment operation and moderate noise levels.
- Exposure to computer screen glare, repetitive movements and mental stressors.
- Standard business hours, but may include occasional overtime, weekend work or travel for meetings/events.
- Frequent communication (spoken/written) with colleagues, clients or the public.
