Job Description
The Senior Buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of fabricated and machined aerospace components. This role requires a deep understanding of aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and supply base management to ensure quality, cost, and delivery objectives are met. The Senior Buyer will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Planning, and suppliers to support both development and production programs. This role will also lead supplier performance mitigation strategies and collaborate closely with Planning to ensure material requirements are accurately understood and met on time.
Source, negotiate, and manage purchase orders for fabricated and machined aerospace parts, including precision components, assemblies, and subassemblies.
Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers to ensure consistent performance in cost, quality, and delivery.
Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to understand technical requirements and translate them into sourcing strategies.
Work closely with Planning to ensure material requirements are accurately communicated, understood, and met by suppliers in alignment with production schedules.
Read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and bill of materials (BOMs) to validate supplier capability and quote accuracy.
Conduct supplier evaluations, including capacity, capability, and risk assessments.
Lead and execute supplier performance mitigation strategies for underperforming vendors, including creation of recovery plans, risk assessments, and dual/multi-sourcing strategies.
Monitor supplier performance using scorecards and KPIs; identify performance gaps and initiate corrective actions in collaboration with Quality and Operations teams.
Engage in root cause analysis and continuous improvement efforts with suppliers to address recurring quality or delivery issues.
Support new product introduction (NPI) by sourcing prototypes and transitioning to production suppliers.
Negotiate and manage long-term agreements (LTAs), supplier contracts, and terms & conditions.
Stay informed of market trends, commodity pricing, and geopolitical factors that may affect supply.
Maintain ERP/MRP system accuracy for pricing, lead times, delivery dates, and supplier data integrity.
We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.
Required Skills & Experience
5–10 years of procurement experience with specifically with machined and fabricated parts.
Strong understanding of CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and finishing processes.
Proven ability to read and understand engineering drawings and GD&T.
Experience with AS9100 requirements and aerospace supplier quality systems.
Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
Demonstrated success in mitigating supplier performance risks and improving supply continuity.
Experience working closely with Planning, Production Control, or Materials Management to align supply and demand.
Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems; Epicor Kinetic experience a plus.
Knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, and other regulatory requirements
Nice to Have Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.