Senior Buyer

Sr. Buyer

The Senior Buyer supports production continuity by executing direct-material purchasing requirements in a fast-paced aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. This hands-on position converts material demand into accurate purchase orders, monitors supplier commitments, expedites critical materials, resolves shortages and delivery issues, and supports supplier performance and purchasing compliance. The role works closely with planning, manufacturing, engineering, quality, and strategic sourcing to keep materials available and production moving. The position is primarily focused on purchasing execution rather than independent strategic sourcing or ownership of complex commercial negotiations.

Key Responsibilities Purchasing Execution & Production Support Execute purchase orders and blanket purchase orders against approved requirements; maintain accurate order data, pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and terms and conditions. Interpret ERP/MRP demand signals, track supplier acknowledgments, manage exceptions, and proactively expedite or reschedule materials to prevent production disruption. Resolve shortages, supplier pushouts, discrepancies, and material availability concerns through timely cross-functional coordination and data-driven problem-solving. Purchase direct materials to engineering specifications and drawings; communicate applicable quality codes, technical requirements, and customer flow-down requirements to suppliers. Maintain complete and accurate procurement documentation in accordance with purchasing policies and applicable government-contract requirements.

Supplier Performance & Coordination Monitor supplier scorecards, on-time delivery, risks, and corrective actions; coordinate recovery plans and follow through on commitments. Support supplier onboarding, qualification, transitions, and basic capability assessments in partnership with appropriate stakeholders. Plan and facilitate supplier meetings and business reviews, including agendas, appropriate participants, action logs, and follow-up. Facilitate discussions concerning pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and commercial terms, escalating complex negotiations and approval decisions to management or strategic sourcing. Identify potential supplier and material lifecycle risks, including obsolescence, and recommend practical mitigation actions.

Operational Excellence & Collaboration Analyze purchasing and supplier data using Excel and ERP/MRP reporting to identify root causes, evaluate alternatives, and support fact-based decisions. Coordinate with planning, production, engineering, quality, and other teams to resolve changing priorities and meet customer requirements. Participate in continuous improvement and standard-work activities using Lean, Six Sigma, or Ralliant Business Systems principles as applicable. Support cross-training and onboarding of other buyers as experience develops; this is an individual-contributor role with no direct reports. Manage assigned commodities and adapt to changing commodity assignments and business priorities as needed.

Required Qualifications At least three years of purchasing experience supporting manufacturing or production, including direct-material procurement and purchase-order execution. At least three years of experience working in an ERP/MRP purchasing environment; no particular platform is required. Working knowledge of purchase-order terms, payment terms, delivery schedules, supplier follow-up, and purchasing documentation. Experience managing supplier delivery issues, material shortages, and competing production priorities. Ability to interpret technical specifications and engineering drawings for purchasing purposes and communicate supplier quality requirements. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel, including creating and using pivot tables and analyzing purchasing data. Ability to work independently, communicate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and develop practical, evidence-based solutions. Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or five or more years of closely related experience in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications Aerospace and defense manufacturing purchasing experience, including familiarity with government procurement compliance, FAR/DFARS, cost or price justification, and supplier flow-down requirements. Experience buying technically complex commodities in regulated manufacturing environments. Experience with supplier onboarding, supplier scorecards, supplier corrective actions (SCARs), and supplier risk mitigation. Oracle ERP experience or participation in an ERP implementation or transition. Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement programs and an interest in actively driving improvements. APICS, CPSM, CPM, or comparable supply chain/procurement certification. Experience independently organizing and facilitating supplier business reviews.

Work Arrangement & Travel This position is based in Chandler, Arizona. The first 90 days require full-time on-site attendance for onboarding and cross-training. After onboarding, the role may be eligible for a hybrid schedule of three days on-site (including Monday and Friday) and two days remote, subject to operational needs and management approval. Additional on-site attendance, including month-end coverage, may be required. Employees must reside within commuting distance and be available to report on-site when business needs require. Work hours are flexible around core coverage of 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., subject to team and operational requirements. Travel is expected to be less than 10%, primarily to other company facilities (including Hollister, California) or supplier locations.

Employment Eligibility Due to U.S. Government contract requirements applicable to this position, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment in this role.

Benefits & Culture Eligible associates have access to company benefit programs, which may include paid time off, retirement savings, medical/dental/vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, and company performance-based incentive opportunities, subject to applicable plan terms. PacSci EMC offers opportunities for growth, cross-functional collaboration, continuous improvement, and career development.