Assistant Buyer

ABOUT EASTERN AERO MARINE, INC. (EAM WORLDWIDE)

Eastern Aero Marine, Inc., Inc. DBA EAM Worldwide (EAM), with a 74-year history, is a manufacturer and performs maintenance of critical Aviation Emergency Survival equipment trusted by airlines, aircraft manufacturers, governments, and operators around the world. Our life vests, life rafts, evacuation slides, and survival kits are sold to an international customer base in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, and South America. Customers include OEM’s, airlines, and after-market customers. When an aircraft experiences an emergency, the products we build may become the last line of protection for hundreds of passengers.

The Assistant Buyer supports the Purchasing Department by assisting with procurement activities to ensure the timely availability of materials required for manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager and working closely with the Senior Buyer, this position is responsible for processing purchase orders, maintaining accurate procurement records, monitoring supplier deliveries, expediting open orders, and supporting day-to-day purchasing operations.

The Assistant Buyer serves as a liaison between suppliers and internal departments, including Inventory, Production, Receiving, Quality, Engineering, and Shipping, to help maintain material availability, resolve supply issues, and support on-time customer deliveries. This position contributes to the continuous improvement of purchasing processes while ensuring compliance with company procedures, FAA regulations, and AS9100 quality standards.

Essential functions

• Assist the Senior Buyer with daily purchasing activities and supplier management.
• Create and issue purchase orders in the Quantum ERP system based on demand, approved requisitions, MRP recommendations, and production requirements.
• Review purchase order acknowledgements and verify pricing, quantities, delivery dates, terms, and part numbers.
• Update purchase orders with supplier confirmations and maintain accurate procurement records in the ERP system.
• Monitor open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time deliveries.
• Communicate supplier delays or shortages to the Senior Buyer and Supply Chain Manager, recommending alternative solutions when appropriate.
• Coordinate with Receiving to resolve discrepancies involving shipments, quantities, damaged materials, or documentation.
• Work with Inventory and Production to identify material shortages and prioritize urgent procurement requirements.
• Assist Engineering and Quality Assurance with supplier documentation requests, certificates of conformity, specifications, and technical information.
• Maintain accurate supplier files, pricing information, lead times, and purchasing documentation.
• Support supplier onboarding by collecting required documentation and maintaining vendor records.
• Generate purchasing reports and provide updates on open purchase orders, supplier performance, and delivery status.
• Maintain professional relationships with suppliers while representing the company's best interests.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Purchasing Department.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, purchasing procedures, FAA regulations, AS9100 requirements, and customer requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Competencies, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with FAA, AS9100, and ITAR shipping regulations.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Quantum, SAP) and Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent interpersonal skills in both oral and written form.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
• Understanding manufacturing material flow and inventory control concepts.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to inventory accuracy.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Associate's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) years of purchasing, procurement, customer service, inventory, or supply chain experience.
• Experience in aviation, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries is preferred.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Bilingual English and Spanish.

Physical Requirements

This position is a physically demanding position to be able to assemble, fold and test large and heavy inflatable products and materials:

• Must be able to reach at or below shoulder level, reach overhead, push or pull, lift or carry, and kneel at times.