Senior Strategic Buyer

Help Build the Supply Chain Behind Next-Generation Defense Technology

We're partnering with an innovative defense technology company developing advanced directed energy laser systems that support critical national security initiatives. As the organization continues to scale, they are seeking a Senior Strategic Buyer / Lead Buyer to serve as a key contributor within the Supply Chain organization.

This is more than a traditional purchasing role. You'll act as a strategic procurement leader, driving sourcing initiatives for highly engineered components, managing critical supplier relationships, influencing supply chain strategy, and helping ensure production readiness for cutting-edge defense programs.

You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, program management, and supplier partners to secure complex materials including precision optics, custom-machined components, electronics, and specialized assemblies.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Lead strategic sourcing and procurement efforts for technical and mission-critical components supporting advanced manufacturing programs
• Develop and execute supplier strategies that improve cost, quality, delivery, and long-term supply chain stability
• Own supplier selection, RFQs, contract negotiations, pricing discussions, and purchasing agreements
• Build and maintain executive-level supplier relationships while serving as a primary escalation point for critical supply issues
• Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to identify sourcing risks and create mitigation strategies
• Drive supplier performance management through scorecards, KPIs, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Negotiate commercial terms, lead-time reductions, cost savings initiatives, and long-term agreements
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior buyers and procurement team members
• Analyze spend, market trends, supplier capabilities, and capacity constraints to support strategic decision making
• Ensure procurement activities remain compliant with company policies, quality standards, and government contracting requirements
• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier data across ERP systems while supporting process improvement initiatives

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of procurement, purchasing, strategic sourcing, or supply chain experience
• 5+ years supporting supply chain operations within a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience leading supplier negotiations, contract discussions, and strategic sourcing initiatives
• Experience managing complex supplier relationships and driving vendor performance improvements
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field
• Experience working within multiple ERP platforms
• Strong understanding of purchasing processes, supplier development, cost analysis, and procurement best practices
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, manufacturing, and leadership teams