Buyer

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense invites experienced procurement professionals to join our Simsbury, CT team. You will manage indirect and direct purchasing, drive supplier selection, and coordinate with Engineering Development to support new proposals and production needs.

The role emphasizes cost efficiency, supplier performance, and regulatory compliance within a dynamic environment requiring multi-project focus and travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of tactical purchasing experience in Aerospace/Defense.
• Experience from R&D procurement to low/medium volume production procurement is desirable.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government procurement documentation requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; detail oriented; able to multi-task.

Responsibilities

• Indirect and direct purchasing of materials & services for Simsbury, CT operations and Engineering Development teams.
• Create and manage supplier RFQs, Purchase Orders, and supplier Kanbans.
• Assess supply base capability, source suppliers, negotiate, and manage supplier performance.
• Coordinate ERP/MRP planning, supplier PO management, and on-time delivery of high-quality products.
• Support continuous improvement with internal customers and suppliers.

Skills

Procurement

Supplier sourcing

Negotiation

Supply chain coordination

Education

BA/BS in Supply Chain, Finance or related

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

MS Excel

MS Word

MS PowerPoint

MS Project

Job description

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission‑critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.

Responsibilities

Responsible for indirect and direct purchasing, alternative supplier sourcing, and delivery of materials & services in support of EBA&D Simsbury, CT Operations and Engineering Development teams. Creates and manages supplier Requests for Quotations, Purchase Orders and supply Kanbans. Performs assessment of supply base capability vs need, supplier sourcing, risk assessment, supplier selection & development, negotiation with suppliers, scheduling, ERP / MRP system planning, supplier Purchase Order management, conflict resolution and manages supplier follow up activity to ensure on time delivery of high quality products at least total cost. Works with Proposal Engineers and Development Engineering as procurement representative on new product business proposals. Ensures that all regulatory requirements with respect to purchasing, storage, and transportation of materials are adhered to. Develops procurement cost justifications consistent with requirements of the Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and DFAR (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations). Participation in Continuous Improvement activities, working with suppliers and internal customers to facilitate improvements in cost, quality and on‑time delivery. Works independently and manages multiple projects, at the same time, at a tactical level.

Requirements

BA/BS in Supply Chain, Finance, Business or relevant discipline. 8+ years tactical purchasing or related experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry. Experience in both low volume, development scale procurement (R&D), to low/medium volume production procurement is desirable. Understanding of Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing practices and basic operation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Knowledge of FAR/DFARS and related government procurement documentation requirements. Strong skills in MS Windows – Excel, Word, Power-point and MS Project. The candidate must be detail orientated, ability to multi-task and have excellent written and verbal communications skills. Excels in a dynamic, changeable work environment. Energetic and positive. Ability to work independently. Processes an entrepreneurial spirit. Must be willing to travel as needed (0-10%).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

Company Overview

EBI's 190-year history has been shaped by innovation and stewardship defining who we are today: a family-owned, independently led, and professionally managed company united by our people, Core Values, and Winning Vision. We invite you to explore our three strong businesses and discover how you can help shape the next chapter of our story. Ensign-Bickford Industries founded in 1836, is a privately‑owned high technology conglomerate that participates in businesses that are relevant to the future of the world and have multigenerational growth prospects. As One EBI, we innovate in science and technology for the safety, health, and well‑being of society, creating exceptional long‑term value. AFB International AFB is the leader in pet food flavor enhancers. Ensuring product performance for pet food manufacturers—and their customers—is our business. Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company EBAD is a global leader in precision energetic systems and other innovative explosives, non‑explosive and electromechanical solutions for the defense and aerospace markets. EnviroLogix EnviroLogix is a global leader in the development of rapid GMO and mycotoxin detection technology.