Purchasing Manager

Job Description

EBAD seeks an accomplished individual for the position of Purchasing Manager reporting to the Sr. Supply Chain & Logistics Manager in our Simsbury, CT location.

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the procurement function to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and quality-focused acquisition of materials, components, and services required to support aerospace manufacturing and operations. This role oversees a team of Buyers, drives supplier performance, and partners cross-functionally to support production, engineering, and quality objectives. The Purchasing Manager ensures compliance with industry regulations, customer requirements, and company policies while fostering strategic supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with business and production requirements.

• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to achieve cost, quality, and delivery objectives.

• Establish long-term agreements (LTAs) and contracts with key suppliers to secure supply chain continuity.

• Monitor supplier performance metrics (on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness) and drive corrective actions when needed.

• Manage supplier risk, ensuring compliance with AS9100/ISO standards and other aerospace regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Buyers and Procurement Specialists.

• Set departmental goals and KPIs aligned with company objectives.

• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.

Operational Excellence

• Partner with Material Planning, Production, Engineering, and Quality to ensure material availability for production schedules.

• Optimize ERP/MRP purchasing parameters to balance inventory levels and lead time requirements.

• Implement cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, value engineering, and supply chain efficiency.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in procurement processes and policies.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with customer flow-down requirements, FAR/DFARS clauses, and ITAR/EAR export regulations, and CPSR policies and procedures.

• Support internal and external audits related to purchasing and supplier management.

• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks (capacity, geopolitical, financial, or single-source).

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field required.

• APICS/CPIM, CPSM, or PMP certification preferred.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within the aerospace or defense industry.

• Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing supply chains, regulatory requirements, and supplier qualification processes.

• Proven experience in contract negotiation, cost reduction, and supplier development.

Skills

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, IFS, or similar).

• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

• Ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence decision-making.

• Excellent leadership and team development capabilities.

Performance Metrics

• Supplier on-time delivery performance.

• Achievement of cost savings/avoidance goals.

• Inventory turns and material availability to support production.

• Supplier quality performance and compliance audit results.

• Team performance and employee engagement.