Buyer III - Tooling/Maintenance Inventory

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. Position Overview The Buyer III is a senior procurement professional responsible for managing tooling and maintenance inventory levels across the organization. This role requires advanced technical expertise in interpreting MRP (Material Requirements Planning) data, understanding demand signals, and ensuring optimal inventory levels to support manufacturing operations. The position plays a critical role in preventing production delays while minimizing excess inventory costs. Primary Responsibilities Inventory Management Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels for tooling and maintenance items Analyze MRP data to identify and prevent potential stockouts or overstock situations Coordinate with maintenance teams to understand tooling lifecycles and replacement patterns Implement advanced inventory control techniques to balance service levels with inventory investment Supply Chain Management Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for critical tooling and maintenance items Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable supply Negotiate favorable pricing, terms, and service level agreements Identify alternate sources for critical parts to mitigate supply chain risks Technical Analysis Interpret complex MRP data and demand signals to make informed procurement decisions Analyze usage patterns and forecast future requirements for tooling and maintenance parts Evaluate technical specifications to ensure procured items meet engineering requirements Perform cost analysis and value engineering to identify cost‑saving opportunities Process Improvement Identify and implement improvements to procurement and inventory management processes Develop KPIs and metrics to track performance and drive continuous improvement Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to optimize the end‑to‑end supply chain Lead or participate in projects to enhance procurement systems and capabilities Leadership & Collaboration Mentor junior buyers and share technical knowledge Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams Provide regular reporting to management on key procurement metrics Serve as subject matter expert for tooling and maintenance procurement Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field 5+ years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 2 years specifically managing technical/industrial parts inventory Advanced understanding of MRP systems and inventory management principles Demonstrated experience interpreting demand signals and planning inventory accordingly Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills Excellent negotiation and supplier management capabilities Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis) Knowledge of maintenance operations and tooling requirements Preferred Qualifications CPSM, CSCP, or other relevant professional certification Experience with lean inventory management techniques Knowledge of predictive maintenance concepts and their impact on inventory planning Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau) Understanding of TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) principles Experience implementing inventory optimization software Additional Information The position may require occasional travel to supplier facilities and other company locations This role involves coordination with multiple departments including Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and Finance Decision‑making in this role directly impacts operational continuity and financial performance Benefits Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week) Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details. Export Control Regulations Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Background Check Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated workforce. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here. Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Aff… (contact information omitted for brevity) #J-18808-Ljbffr Blue Origin