Purchasing Manager

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense in Simsbury, CT is seeking a Purchasing Manager to lead procurement initiatives and oversee a team of Buyers. The role is crucial to ensuring timely and quality-focused acquisition of materials for aerospace operations, including managing supplier relationships and compliance.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, 7+ years of procurement experience, and strong analytical and negotiation skills. This position offers a dynamic work environment dedicated to innovation and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field required.
• 7+ years of progressive procurement experience, with 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing supply chains and supplier qualification processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the procurement function ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials.
• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with business needs.
• Manage supplier performance metrics and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP

Oracle

IFS

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 an accomplished individual for the position of Purchasing Manager reporting to the Sr. Supply Chain & Logistics Manager in our Simsbury, CT location. The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the procurement function to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and quality-focused acquisition of materials, components, and services required to support aerospace manufacturing and operations. This role oversees a team of Buyers, drives supplier performance, and partners cross-functionally to support production, engineering, and quality objectives. The Purchasing Manager ensures compliance with industry regulations, customer requirements, and company policies while fostering strategic supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement & Supplier Management
  • Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with business and production requirements.
  • Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to achieve cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
  • Establish long-term agreements (LTAs) and contracts with key suppliers to secure supply chain continuity.
  • Monitor supplier performance metrics (on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness) and drive corrective actions when needed.
  • Manage supplier risk, ensuring compliance with AS9100/ISO standards and other aerospace regulatory requirements.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Buyers and Procurement Specialists.
  • Set departmental goals and KPIs aligned with company objectives.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• Operational Excellence
  • Partner with Material Planning, Production, Engineering, and Quality to ensure material availability for production schedules.
  • Optimize ERP/MRP purchasing parameters to balance inventory levels and lead time requirements.
  • Implement cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, value engineering, and supply chain efficiency.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives in procurement processes and policies.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with customer flow-down requirements, FAR/DFARS clauses, and ITAR/EAR export regulations, and CPSR policies and procedures.
  • Support internal and external audits related to purchasing and supplier management.
  • Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks (capacity, geopolitical, financial, or single-source).

Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field required.
• Certifications – APICS/CPIM, CPSM, or PMP certification preferred.
• Experience – 7+ years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within the aerospace or defense industry. Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing supply chains, regulatory requirements, and supplier qualification processes. Proven experience in contract negotiation, cost reduction, and supplier development.
• Skills – Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, IFS, or similar). Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills. Ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence decision-making. Excellent leadership and team development capabilities.
• Performance Metrics – Supplier on-time delivery performance; achievement of cost savings/avoidance goals; inventory turns and material availability to support production; supplier quality performance and compliance audit results; team performance and employee engagement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.