Senior Buyer

Description

Position Summary

The Senior Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring materials, components, and services to support drone manufacturing operations across multiple U.S. sites. This role ensures supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and supplier performance in alignment with company production goals and quality standards.

The Senior Buyer serves as a strategic partner to engineering, production, and quality teams – driving supply chain efficiency, risk mitigation, and long-term supplier relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies for materials, electronics, composites, and mechanical assemblies used in UAV/drone production.

• Manage the full procurement cycle — from RFQ to PO issuance, delivery tracking, and invoice resolution.

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers based on cost, quality, capability, and compliance requirements (AS9100, ITAR, DFARS).

• Negotiate pricing, terms, and long-term supply agreements to achieve cost savings and strategic alignment.

• Collaborate with engineering and operations to source new components, manage engineering change orders (ECOs), and ensure accurate BOM alignment.

• Maintain supplier scorecards and performance metrics; lead corrective actions when necessary.

• Monitor market trends, material lead times, and supply chain disruptions to proactively adjust sourcing plans.

• Work closely with Material Planners to ensure on-time availability of critical components to meet production schedules.

• Support multi-site procurement efforts across the U.S., including California, Utah, and Georgia operations.

• Support and independently manage special projects in support of the Supply Chain Group

• Ensure all purchasing activities meet compliance standards for export control (ITAR/EAR), cybersecurity (CMMC), and ethical sourcing.

• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, supplier communication, and ERP/MRP system accuracy.

Required Qualifications

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

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive purchasing or sourcing experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing.

• Proven track record in strategic sourcing, cost negotiation, and supplier management.

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Epicor, NetSuite, or equivalent).

• Understanding of manufacturing processes for electronics, composites, machined parts, and assemblies.

• Familiarity with AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, and supplier quality requirements.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with high attention to detail.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Effective communication skills for cross-departmental collaboration.

• Ability to thrive under tight deadlines and shifting priorities.

• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement principles preferred.

• APICS/CPIM certification a plus.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.

• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.

• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.

• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.

• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed

• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.