The Buyer plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient and timely flow of materials, components, and supplies to support our aerospace production. This position is responsible for the full procurement lifecycle, from purchase order generation to delivery confirmation and issue resolution. The Buyer II actively manages supplier relationships, optimizes inventory levels, and maintains strict adherence to approved supplier lists, contractual agreements, and regulatory requirements within the aerospace industry. This role also contributes to the implementation of supply chain initiatives and best practices, supporting the overall operational excellence of the organization. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Purchasing & MRP Management: Purchase materials, components, equipment, and services from approved suppliers, translating MRP system requirements into accurate and timely purchase orders. Proactively analyze and maintain MRP parameters to ensure alignment with production needs and optimize material flow.  

• Supplier Relationship Management: Serve as a key point of contact for assigned suppliers, fostering strong communication and collaboration. Obtain and manage schedule and delivery confirmations, proactively addressing potential delays and updating the ERP system accordingly.  

• Demand & Forecast Alignment: Collaborate closely with Demand Analysts to validate and communicate production schedules and forecasts to suppliers, ensuring on-time deliveries and minimizing potential disruptions.  

• Data Integrity & System Maintenance: Accurately manage and update critical data within the workbench and ERP system, ensuring data integrity for effective planning and execution.  

• Proactive Shortage Management: Diligently monitor material availability, proactively identify potential shortages, and expedite orders as necessary to prevent production interruptions.  

• Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action: Lead efforts to identify the root causes of recurring shortages and implement sustainable corrective and preventative actions to improve supplier performance and prevent future issues.  

• Supplier Performance Management: Actively review and validate the Supplier Report Card on a monthly basis, identifying trends and collaborating with suppliers to drive continuous improvement in key performance indicators (KPIs).  

• Engineering Change Management: Support the implementation of engineering changes by effectively communicating these changes and their impact to suppliers, ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing potential obsolescence.  

• Quality Issue Resolution: Manage the Material Review Board (MRB) and Return to Vendor (RTV) processes efficiently, ensuring timely resolution of quality issues and driving supplier accountability.  

• Team Collaboration & Support: Proactively support the Purchasing team with workload balance, demonstrating a "can-do" attitude and readily assisting team members as required to achieve collective goals.  

• Inventory Optimization: Contribute to the optimization of inventory levels in alignment with production schedules and lead times, aiming for just-in-time delivery while mitigating the risk of shortages and excess inventory.  

• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all purchasing activities adhere to approved supplier lists, established agreement terms and conditions, and relevant aerospace industry regulations and internal policies.  

• Continuous Improvement: Actively participate in and support supply chain initiatives and best practices aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing overall supply chain performance.  

• Additional Tasks: Perform any additional tasks and responsibilities as required to support the needs of the Purchasing department and the broader organization. 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field.  

• OR equivalent combination of relevant education and/or progressive experience in a purchasing or supply chain function 

Experience: 

• Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience in a purchasing or supply chain role within a manufacturing environment, preferably within the aerospace or a similarly regulated industry. 

• Proven experience interfacing and building relationships with multiple internal and external customers. 

• Strong working knowledge of ERP and MRP systems is highly preferred. 

Specialized Skills and Abilities: 

• Exceptional verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills. 

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) with advanced Excel skills preferred (e.g., data analysis, pivot tables, VLOOKUPs). 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment, while also being highly self-motivated and capable of independent execution. 

• Ability to thrive under pressure, adapt to rapidly changing priorities, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced aerospace environment. 

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy. 

• Understanding of basic supply chain principles and best practices.