Buyer/Planner

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Graham (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) is seeking a Buyer to support indirect spend and production programs at our Graham, KY location. You will report to the Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Manager and help manage supplier relationships and procurement activities.

The role involves creating RFQs, POs, and Kanban systems, sourcing alternatives, and ensuring on-time delivery while complying with FAR/DFARS and CPSR guidelines. Travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in supply chain, finance or business required.
• 2–5 years tactical purchasing experience in aerospace/defense.
• Experience with R&D and production procurement.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government procurement docs.
• Strong MS Office and ERP familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Procure indirect and direct materials and services.
• Create and manage RFQs, purchase orders, and Kanban.
• Assess supplier capability, sourcing, and negotiations.
• Coordinate with proposal engineers on new product bids.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for purchasing, storage, and transport.
• Support continuous improvement with suppliers.
• Travel 0-10% as needed.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Detail oriented

Multi-tasking

Ability to travel

Education

BA/BS in Supply Chain, Finance or Business

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

PowerPoint

MS Project

ERP systems

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. Job Description EBAD seeks a Buyer supporting our indirect spend and production programs, reporting to the Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Manager in our Graham, Ky, location.

Responsibilities

Responsible for indirect and direct supplier purchasing, alternative supplier sourcing, and delivery of materials & services in support of EBA&D Graham, Ky Operations and Engineering Development teams.

Creates and manages supplier Requests for Quotations, Purchase Orders and supply Kanban's.

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

The ideal Candidate must have a BA/BS in Supply Chain, Finance or Business.

2 to 5 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%).

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.

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.

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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.

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