Buyer I

Chemring Energetic Devices; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) in Downers Grove, IL, seeks a Buyer I to procure materials and services for aerospace device production. You will manage RFQs, ensure on‑time delivery, and optimize supplier performance while aligning with cost targets.

Requires a bachelor's degree and at least 1 year in manufacturing procurement; ITAR compliance and explosives eligibility are mandatory. The role offers competitive pay and a robust benefits package in a 9/80 schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 1 year procurement experience in manufacturing; aerospace/defense preferred.
• ITAR compliance and explosives eligibility required for all employees.

Responsibilities

• Procurement of materials and outside services to support on time delivery and financial metrics.
• Execute RFQ to purchase within program schedules.
• Strengthen supplier relationships focusing on safety, quality, delivery and cost.
• Measure supplier performance using KPIs and escalate issues to Supply Chain leadership.
• Collaborate with other departments to support company goals.
• Maintain vendor database with accurate information and status.
• Schedule and track material deliveries to align with production schedules.
• Monitor and update purchase orders for current delivery dates.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and delivery delays with suppliers.

Skills

ITAR compliance

Explosives eligibility

MRP systems

Professional communication

Negotiation skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or engineering

Job description

Description

As Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) celebrates 50 years of building products that protect our country, protect the individual warfighter, and send rockets into outer space, our growth is creating new opportunities to expand our team with talented individuals who want to shape the next era of mission-critical innovation.

CED is well situated in Downers Grove, Illinois - we are located a commuter train ride west of Chicago and a short drive from farmland.

CED's current salary range for this role is $71,500 to $89,500 / year. At CED, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, location and geography. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. CED’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts. CED follows a 9/80 work schedule allowing employees to enjoy alternating Fridays off.

Job Summary

The CED Buyer I is responsible for the procurement and scheduling of materials and products as per material planning recommendations. The Buyer reviews demand for the procurement of products, materials, and services for the manufacture of complex aerospace devices. The position is responsible for professional and timely supplier interactions which ensure parts and services meet or exceed quality and cost and delivery expectations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Procurement of materials and outside services to support on time delivery to customers and financial metrics
• Execute RFQ to purchase within program schedule time constraints
• Continuously improve supplier relationships (Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost)
• Measure supplier performance using key performance indicators and ensure alignment with strategic and tactical expectations; escalte concerns to Supply Chain leadership
• Effectively collaborate with other departments and employees to support company goals and objectives
• Maintain the vendor database with correct information and status
• Schedules and tracks material deliveries to align with active production schedules and program requirements
• Monitor and update purchase orders to ensure delivery dates are current and correct
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and delivery delays with suppliers

Other Job Functions

• Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ensures 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, Code of Conduct and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
• Other duties / responsibilities as assigned by leadership

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree, in business or engineering, or equivalent education and work experience

Experience

Minimum of 1 year experience in procurement within a manufacturing environment; Aerospace and Defense industry experience is desired.

Skills And Qualifications

• Lawful US Person (ITAR restriction)
• Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for all employees of Chemring Energetic Devices
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including implementation of procedures and knowledge of MRP systems (D365 experience a plus)
• Professional communication skills to influence others internal and external to the organization
• Effective interpersonal skills including the ability to negotiate
• Ability to change focus due to shifting priorities or initiatives in support of department and company goals

Physical And Other Requirements

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects, weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of weight frequently. Involves sitting much of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Routine and extensive use of computers.

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential job functions of this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Employees will be expected to perform other job functions and duties as may be needed and/or required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The “Know Your Rights” Poster is available here:https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf CED’s EEO Policy Statement is available here: CED EEO Policy Statement CED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.