Junior Buyer

The Davis Companies; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Davis Companies is seeking a Buyer I to support procurement and supply chain operations in a regulated manufacturing environment in Roanoke, VA. You will source materials, evaluate suppliers, negotiate terms, issue purchase orders, and ensure timely acquisition to support production programs.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree with 0–1 year or an Associate with 2 years in purchasing, a working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, and strong negotiation and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 0-1 years or an Associate degree with 2 years purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience.
• Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and DFARS.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other regulated industries preferred.
• Strong negotiation, communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with purchasing systems and ERP software; MS Office proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate qualified sources of supply based on supplier capabilities, product requirements, pricing, and performance.
• Prepare, issue, and manage purchase orders in support of production schedules and business objectives.
• Solicit supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, quality, delivery schedules, and terms.
• Monitor commodity markets and supplier performance to identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships to support procurement objectives.
• Collaborate with material planning teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and strategic purchasing initiatives.
• Ensure purchase orders are placed on schedule to support program milestones and inventory goals.
• Serve as primary contact between suppliers and internal departments regarding delivery schedules and procurement issues.
• Coordinate with Program Management, Production, and Planning to align materials with manufacturing needs.
• Support purchasing activities in accordance with company procedures and government contracting requirements.
• Assist in resolving supplier quality, pricing, and delivery concerns through cross-functional collaboration.
• Maintain awareness of supplier capabilities, product technologies, market trends, and lifecycle changes.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and support departmental performance objectives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

ERP systems

MS Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Associate degree in related field

Tools

ERP software

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Buyer I to support procurement and supply chain operations within a regulated manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for sourcing materials, evaluating supplier capabilities, negotiating pricing and delivery terms, issuing purchase orders, and ensuring the timely acquisition of materials needed to support production and program requirements. The Buyer I will collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure purchases are completed efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with company policies and applicable government regulations.

• Identify and evaluate qualified sources of supply based on supplier capabilities, product requirements, pricing, and performance.
• Prepare, issue, and manage purchase orders in support of production schedules and business objectives.
• Solicit supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, quality standards, delivery schedules, and terms and conditions.
• Monitor commodity markets and supplier performance to identify cost reduction and value improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships to support procurement objectives.
• Collaborate with material planning teams to identify opportunities for cost savings and strategic purchasing initiatives.
• Ensure purchase orders are placed on schedule to support program milestones, inventory goals, and operational requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between suppliers and internal departments regarding delivery schedules, shortages, engineering changes, and other procurement-related issues.
• Coordinate with Program Management, Production, and Planning teams to ensure materials are delivered in alignment with manufacturing needs.
• Support purchasing activities in accordance with company procedures and government contracting requirements.
• Assist in resolving supplier quality, pricing, and delivery concerns through cross-functional collaboration.
• Maintain awareness of supplier capabilities, product technologies, market trends, and lifecycle changes.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and support departmental performance objectives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 0-1 years of related experience; or
• Associate degree and a minimum of 2 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
• Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or another regulated industry is preferred.
• Understanding of procurement and supply chain processes, supplier management, sourcing strategies, government contracting requirements, military specifications, and compliance standards.
• Strong negotiation, communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with purchasing systems, ERP software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to successfully complete a background check and drug screening.
• This position is fully onsite in Roanoke, Virginia.
• This temporary assignment provides coverage while a full-time employee is on medical leave.

This opportunity is well suited for an early-career procurement professional seeking experience in purchasing, supplier management, and supply chain operations within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.