Global Buyer - Aerospace & Defense Supply Chain
Relocation Assistance Available
Compensation
$105,000 - $115,000 Base + Bonus
About the Opportunity
A rapidly growing precision manufacturing organization serving both the Aerospace & Defense and advanced technology sectors is seeking a Global Buyer to support a highly visible procurement function within an AS9100-certified manufacturing operation.
This is a strategic sourcing and supplier management position responsible for managing critical supplier relationships, supporting new product introduction (NPI) programs, mitigating supply chain risk, and developing sourcing strategies for complex machined components, raw materials, and outside processing services.
The ideal candidate brings established Aerospace & Defense supplier relationships, a strong understanding of AS9100-regulated procurement environments, and a proven ability to manage suppliers through growth, production ramp-ups, and operational challenges.
This position works closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, Planning, and Supply Chain leadership and will play a key role in supporting continued business growth.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Management & Strategic Sourcing
- Manage supplier relationships across Aerospace & Defense and precision manufacturing supply chains.
- Source and onboard new suppliers capable of supporting AS9100 and customer-specific requirements.
- Develop and maintain a qualified supplier network for machining, fabrication, raw materials, special processes, and outside services.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial agreements to improve supply continuity and overall cost performance.
- Establish supplier performance expectations and drive accountability.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Support procurement activities for new product introduction and prototype programs.
- Work closely with Engineering and Quality teams to identify and qualify suppliers for new products.
- Coordinate supplier readiness activities to support production launches.
- Ensure suppliers understand and comply with Aerospace & Defense purchasing requirements.
Supply Risk Management
- Identify and mitigate capacity constraints, delivery risks, and material shortages.
- Lead supplier recovery efforts when delivery commitments are at risk.
- Escalate critical supply issues and coordinate resolutions with internal stakeholders.
- Develop contingency plans and alternate sourcing strategies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Operations, Planning, Quality, Engineering, and Program Management teams.
- Support demand planning and production scheduling requirements.
- Manage supplier communications regarding forecasts, production schedules, and changing customer demands.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on supply chain performance.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience within Aerospace & Defense, precision machining, aerospace manufacturing, defense manufacturing, or related industries.
- Demonstrated experience working within AS9100-certified environments.
- Established supplier relationships within Aerospace & Defense manufacturing.
- Experience qualifying and onboarding suppliers.
- Strong knowledge of supplier performance management and procurement best practices.
- Experience supporting NPI or prototype procurement activities.
- ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, Infor, or similar).
- Strong negotiation and relationship-management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Aerospace & Defense machining supply chain experience.
- Experience purchasing high-precision machined components.
- Familiarity with special processes, metal finishing, heat treat, coatings, and aerospace subcontract manufacturing.
- Knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and defense-industry compliance requirements.
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
Why This Opportunity?
- Key role supporting a growing Aerospace & Defense business.
- High visibility across Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain leadership.
- Opportunity to leverage and expand an established Aerospace & Defense supplier network.
- Relocation assistance available.