Buyer/Planner

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD); Graham (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) in Graham, KY seeks a Buyer to support direct spend and production programs under the Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Manager. You will source suppliers, issue RFQs, and manage purchase orders for engineering development and manufacturing teams.

This role requires 5+ years in tactical purchasing, familiarity with ERP systems, and knowledge of FAR/DFARS. You will collaborate with proposal engineers, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive cost

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Supply Chain, Finance, Business or related field.
• 5+ years of tactical purchasing experience in Aerospace/Defense or related industries.
• Experience in both development-scale procurement (R&D) and low/medium-volume production.
• Understanding of FAR/DFARS and government procurement docs.
• Proficient with MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MS Project.
• Detail-oriented with strong written and verbal communication.
• Willingness to travel 0–10%.

Responsibilities

• Purchase direct supplier materials and manage RFQs, POs, and Kanban delivery.
• Assess supply base capability, source suppliers, negotiate, schedule and manage PO follow-up.
• Represent procurement on new product proposals with engineers.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for purchasing, storage, and transport.
• Develop cost justifications per CPSR, FAR/DFARS guidance.
• Participate in continuous improvement with suppliers and internal customers.
• Independently manage multiple projects at a tactical level.

Skills

Procurement

Vendor management

Negotiation

ERP/MRP systems

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

BA/BS in Supply Chain, Finance, Business or relevant degree

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

MS Project

Job description

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe that our strengths are built on our most important resource - our people. Join EBAD and you'll be a part of a team who creates cutting edge technology that will blast us into the future. No other company can match the innovative energetic solutions that we provide. At EBAD you will actively contribute to successful missions putting men, women and satellites into space, and protecting our armed service men and women around the world. If this is the culture and work environment you are seeking, then EBAD is the place for you!

Job Description

EBAD seeks a Buyer supporting our direct spend and production programs, reporting to the Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Manager in our Graham, KY location.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for direct supplier purchasing, alternative supplier sourcing, and delivery of materials & services in support of EBAD 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, Business or relevant degree.
• 5+ years of tactical purchasing experience, ideally within the Aerospace and Defense, automotive or medical manufacturing 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.