POSITION SUMMARYSeeking a highly motivated
Senior Buyer to join our Supply Chain team in Orlando, Florida. Reporting directly to the Director of Supply Chain, this role will play a critical part in supporting new product introduction (NPI), manufacturing operations, supplier performance, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
The ideal candidate is a proactive procurement professional with experience managing both direct and indirect materials in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This individual will be responsible for driving supplier execution, improving supply continuity, negotiating favorable terms, and ensuring materials are delivered on time to support production and customer commitments.
RESPONSIBILITYStrategic Sourcing & Procurement- Lead procurement activities supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) through full-rate production.
- Source, negotiate, and procure direct and indirect materials, components, services, and equipment.
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, delivery, and supplier performance.
- Identify and qualify new suppliers to support business growth and mitigate supply chain risks.
- Conduct RFQs, RFPs, bid evaluations, supplier negotiations, and source selection activities.
Supplier Management- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply and performance.
- Monitor supplier on-time delivery (OTD), quality metrics, capacity, and responsiveness.
- Drive supplier accountability and corrective actions when performance issues arise.
- Collaborate with suppliers to improve quality, efficiency, lead times, and overall operational excellence.
- Support ongoing supplier contract management and compliance activities.
Cross-Functional Partnership- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Legal teams.
- Ensure material availability aligns with production schedules and program milestones.
- Support supplier engagement during product development and engineering change processes.
- Review specifications and procurement requirements to ensure sourcing strategies align with business needs.
Compliance & Process Excellence- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Support compliance with ITAR, EAR, SOX, and other applicable regulations.
- Review and approve supplier invoices and payment requests as required.
- Analyze procurement data and recommend opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements, and risk reduction.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain organization.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- 5+ years of procurement, purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience sourcing both direct materials and indirect goods/services.
- Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and planning/procurement processes.
- Proven experience negotiating pricing, contracts, lead times, and supplier agreements.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, operations, manufacturing, finance, and quality teams.
PERFERED QUALIFICATION- Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, electronics manufacturing, optics, semiconductor, robotics, or advanced technology industries.
- Experience procuring technical commodities including optics, electronics, PCBAs, mechanical assemblies, machined components, sensors, or electromechanical systems.
- Knowledge of supplier quality management and supplier development practices.
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and engineering change management.
- Familiarity with government contracting requirements, including ITAR and EAR compliance.
- CPSM, CPSD, APICS, or other relevant supply chain certifications.
