Buyer

Job Description

An established manufacturer supporting the aerospace and defense industry is seeking an experienced Buyer/Planner to take ownership of purchasing, material planning, supplier coordination, and production support in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong planning and management skills, manufacturing experience, and the ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation. This role requires someone who can work cross-functionally, identify issues before they impact production, and drive suppliers and internal teams toward commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing and material planning activities to support production schedules and customer commitments.
• Create, manage, and expedite purchase orders based on MRP requirements, inventory levels, production demand, and engineering changes.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), specifications, and other technical documentation to ensure purchased materials and components meet requirements.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Warehouse, and other departments on new product introductions, BOM changes, material shortages, and quality issues.
• Monitor supplier performance, including delivery schedules, quality, PO aging, and on-time delivery.
• Proactively identify material shortages, supply-chain risks, and production constraints and develop solutions to keep programs on schedule.
• Resolve material-related issues involving MRB, RMA, RTV, rework, replacement, and supplier discrepancies.
• Ensure purchase orders include appropriate technical requirements and required documentation, including Certificates of Conformance, material certifications, packing slips, and supplier acknowledgements.
• Analyze inventory and demand forecasts to maintain appropriate material levels while minimizing excess inventory and stockout risk.
• Work with suppliers to negotiate pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and other commercial terms.
• Support supplier qualification and maintenance, including required certifications, documentation, risk assessments, and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with Accounting and internal teams to resolve purchasing, invoicing, and documentation discrepancies.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing, planning, inventory, and supplier-management processes.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and continuous-improvement practices to improve efficiency and material flow.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, material planning, production planning, or supply-chain operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, military, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, BOMs, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and material requirements planning.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively drive tasks to completion.
• Strong communication and cross-functional leadership/management skills with the ability to coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Warehouse, and suppliers.
• Strong critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Knowledge of ITAR and defense-industry requirements preferred.
• Understanding of Incoterms, payment terms, purchasing practices, and trade-compliance requirements preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or another technical discipline preferred.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is more than a transactional buyer. The successful candidate will be a hands-on planner and strong manager/coordinator who understands how purchasing decisions affect manufacturing, quality, cost, and delivery.

You should be comfortable working with technical teams, interpreting engineering documentation, communicating with suppliers, and taking ownership when materials or schedules are at risk. Experience in an aerospace or defense manufacturing environment is highly valued.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs.

Compensation

$75,000-$90,000+ per year, depending on experience and qualifications. There is flexibility for a highly qualified candidate.

This is a confidential search. The hiring company and additional company information will be disclosed to qualified candidates during the interview process.

About Santa Ana, CA

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore our job opportunities in the vibrant city of Santa Ana, California, where endless possibilities await. Nestled in Orange County, Santa Ana offers a delightful blend of diverse cultures, stunning art galleries like the Bowers Museum, theaters such as the Yost Theater, and mouthwatering cuisine at the 4th Street Market. Home to the professional sports teams like the Orange County Soccer Club, this city also boasts serene parks like Santiago Park for outdoor enthusiasts. Come be a part of a community brimming with charm and growth opportunities - your dream job could be just a click away.