Regional Commodities Buyer – Eastern U.S.

Safran S.A.; Kentucky; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran S.A. in the United States is seeking a regional indirect purchasing professional to manage sourcing across KY, OH, AL, GA, NH, and NY.

You will own the full procurement lifecycle, from requirements to contract execution, supplier performance and renewals, partnering with site leadership to maximize value. The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, savings tracking, and development of regional sourcing strategies across indirect categories, with a focus on improving processes and

Qualifications

• Three to five years of procurement or strategic sourcing experience.
• Experience managing indirect purchasing categories and leading cross-functional sourcing projects.
• International procurement experience and engineering background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, negotiate, and administer agreements covering all indirect purchasing segments.
• Source and develop a supply base that delivers maximum value.
• Develop, lead, and maintain purchasing plans that maximize value-added activities.
• Identify and initiate process improvements, standardization opportunities, cost-saving initiatives, and value-added supplier programs.
• Coordinate with site departments to maximise customer service and business opportunities.
• Prepare a monthly savings report and presentation deck for leadership.
• Owns and maintains sourcing, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract administration for assigned categories.

Skills

Indirect purchasing

Negotiation

Supplier management

SAP

MS Office

Contract management

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

Main Objectives / Basic Function:

Responsible for managing and sourcing the local and regional supply base across all indirect purchasing segments for facilities within the assigned U.S. territory (KY, OH, AL, GA, NH, and NY). This position serves as the customer-facing indirect purchasing representative for the sites within its scope and manages the full procurement lifecycle—from requirements definition and sourcing through negotiation, contract execution, administration, supplier performance management, and renewal.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop, negotiate, and administer agreements covering all indirect purchasing segments, including indirect materials, services, operating supplies, capital-related requirements, and facility needs.
• Source and develop a supply base that delivers maximum value to Safran companies.
• Develop, lead, and maintain purchasing plans that maximize value-added activities.
• Identify and initiate process improvements, standardization opportunities, cost-saving initiatives, and value-added supplier programs in collaboration with site personnel and suppliers.
• Participate in cross-functional projects as required and perform established administrative activities that support the role.
• Develop and execute local and regional sourcing strategies across all indirect purchasing segments within the assigned scope.
• Manage the savings plan in the designated system for sites within the assigned scope, including associated contract execution and documentation.
• Liaise and coordinate with departments such as Manufacturing, Engineering, Production, Quality, Program Management, and Facilities, as well as other Safran sites, to maximize customer service and business opportunities.
• Prepare a monthly savings report and presentation deck, and present results, actions, and priorities to company leadership.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned companies, coordinating between central purchasing functions and site leadership to address ongoing actions, savings, roadblocks, and opportunities.
• Resolve day-to-day operational issues as required.

Specialized Knowledge:

Broad knowledge of indirect procurement categories and sourcing practices, including services, indirect materials, operating supplies, facilities, and capital-related requirements; project management skills; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP applications; strong knowledge of contracts and contract language; ability to negotiate and maintain a range of supplier agreements; and working knowledge of accounting and financial principles. Skills & Core Competencies: Strong purchasing process leadership and negotiation skills; ability to establish, implement, and maintain contractual relationships; sound understanding of financial and production principles; and an analytical, results-oriented approach.

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, operations management, or a related field is required. A recognized supply chain or procurement certification, such as APICS/ASCM CPIM or ISM CPSM, is preferred.

Work Experience:

Three to five years of procurement or strategic sourcing experience in aerospace, manufacturing, or another high-technology environment is required. Experience managing indirect purchasing categories and leading cross-functional sourcing projects is required. International procurement experience and a technical or engineering background are preferred.

Communication Skills

Internal: Ability to communicate effectively in a team environment and with off-site management. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

External: Ability to communicate effectively and represent the Purchasing function with the supplier panel. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Management/Planning:

Plans and prioritizes regional sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, contract renewals, savings actions, and stakeholder engagements across all indirect purchasing segments. Coordinates cross-functional resources and manages multiple concurrent projects to meet business objectives and deadlines.

Magnitude/Scope of Responsibility:

Regional responsibility for all indirect purchasing segments supporting assigned sites in Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, New Hampshire, and New York.

Degree of Confidentiality Required:

High. The role handles confidential supplier pricing, commercial terms, contracts, sourcing strategies, forecasts, and internal financial information.

Ownership of Processes/Procedures:

Owns and maintains sourcing, supplier selection, negotiation, contract administration, savings tracking, and supplier performance activities for assigned indirect purchasing categories and sites, in accordance with company policies and delegated authority.

Responsibility for Materials, Information, and Financial Resources:

Responsible for safeguarding procurement records and commercial information, managing supplier commitments within delegated authority, and delivering validated savings and cost-avoidance results.