Sr. Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

Who Are We?

FDH Aero is a trusted global supply chain solutions partner for aerospace and defense companies, helping to shape the industry by simplifying the supply chain. With over 60 years serving as a leading independent industry partner, FDH specializes in hardware, electrical, consumables and expendables, licensed products, and value-added services for global OEM and aftermarket customers. FDH is headquartered in Commerce, California, and has operations across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. FDH Aero – named a Best Places to Work in Aviation in 2024 – has locations in 14 countries across the globe, with more than 1,500 best-in-industry employees and over 650,000 square feet of inventory space. 

FDH is headquartered in Commerce, California, and has operations across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. FDH Aero – named a Best Places to Work in Aviation in 2024 – has locations in 14 countries across the globe, with more than 1,500 best-in-industry employees and over 650,000 square feet of inventory space. 

Why Work Here?

At FDH Aero, we understand that the strength of our brand comes from our people.

We invest in driven, diverse and experienced professionals who are naturally curious, courageous and motivated towards action. We value tempering confidence with humility, and a mission that always starts with service-first.

Our values guide everything we do: 

We Are Service First - We act with agility and intelligence to solve our partner’s most pressing needs. We safeguard our trusted relationships by communicating with clarity and unmatched follow through. 

We Are Respectful - We behave with dignity, fairness, and acceptance. We thrive by prioritizing empathy, humility, and connection to our collective community. 

We are Amplifiers - We invest in driven, diverse and experienced professionals, businesses and partners. We fuel the entrepreneurial spirit by providing autonomy, authority and a clear mission.

We Are Open-Minded - We communicate with intention, curiosity, and diversity of thought. By actively contributing with courage and candor, we challenge the status quo and innovate together.

We Are Accountable - We own responsibility for our outcomes. We set expectations, embrace critique, and empower every employee to take immediate actions on challenges they encounter. 

We Value Our People - That’s why we offer competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), 401k matching, and wellness programs. We invest in training, mentorship, and career development to empower our employees to reach their full potential. Our commitment to culture and excellence has earned us recognition as one of Aviation Business News' Best Places to Work in Aviation. 

As a team member at FDH Aero you are trusted to deliver, to innovate, and to drive next-generation solutions for tomorrow’s supply chain demands. Ready to make an impact? We proudly pursue top talent with a diverse and global set of experiences and backgrounds. 

We Are Looking For 

The Sr. Buyer will be responsible for the costing, negotiation, profit, purchasing, sourcing, sales team and production support, technical assistance, bill of material and inventory management of product/material procured in support of the company’s business. The focus of this position is to maximize the company gross margins, help the sales organization win more business through better sourcing/costing and assist with inventory management to maximize return on investment and meet customer and company requirements. The Sr. Buyer will have a strong understanding of the aerospace industry, supply chain dynamics, and procurement processes.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

• Develop and execute procurement strategies to meet the company's aerospace component and material needs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify requirements, including engineering, production, and quality control
• Assess and select suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and reliability criteria
• Provide technical/product knowledge when required, cross 
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with current and new suppliers
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing agreements with suppliers to ensure favorable terms for the organization
• Monitor supplier performance, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and take corrective actions as needed
• Conduct cost analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities in the supply chain
• Implement cost reduction strategies, including value engineering and alternative sourcing options, without compromising quality or reliability
• Oversee inventory levels to ensure that the organization maintains an optimal balance between stock availability and carrying costs
• Develop and implement inventory control processes to minimize excess and obsolete inventory
• Collaborate with the quality department to ensure suppliers meet or exceed aerospace industry quality standards and certifications
• Address and resolve any quality issues that may arise during procurement
• Identify and assess risks in the supply chain, including geopolitical, economic, and logistical risks
• Develop risk mitigation strategies to ensure supply chain continuity
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to aerospace procurement
• Stay updated on changes in regulations and make necessary adjustments to procurement practices
• Prepare regular reports on procurement activities, cost savings, supplier performance, and supply chain KPIs
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior management based on data analysis
• Performs other duties as assigned

What You Bring (Qualifications & Skills):

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field preferred
• A Master's degree is a plus
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement preferably within the aerospace industry preferred
• Strong knowledge of aerospace materials, components, and manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with aerospace industry regulations and standards (e.g., AS9100, ITAR, EAR)
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams)
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail
• Self – motivated and quick learner with the ability to multitask in a high-pressure environment
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion
• Team player and ability to motivate the team members
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills

Special Requirements:

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or  asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required. 
• ITAR requirement
• 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR   

FDH Aero is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.