Senior Buyer

Stark Aerospace; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Aerospace in Columbus, MS is seeking aSenior Buyer to manage strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and procurement activities for aerospace and defense programs. You will drive cost reductions, ensure quality and on-time delivery, and maintain compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and FAR requirements.

The role requires 5+ years of aerospace procurement experience, excellent negotiation and cross-functional collaboration skills, and the ability to lead junior buyers while upholding rigorous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; a master’s is a plus.
• 5+ years procurement experience in aerospace or defense.
• Knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, and FAR regulations.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and SAP/Oracle helpful.
• Excellent communication and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Strategic sourcing and supplier management to optimize cost and delivery.
• Manage RFQs, POs, and order tracking across categories.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production to ensure material availability.
• Monitor supplier performance and conduct reviews with corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Contract negotiation

ITAR/DFARS compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Master’s degree a plus

Tools

SAP

Oracle

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Job Title: Senior Buyer - Aerospace & Defense

Location: Columbus MS

Position Type: Full-time, Permanent

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Buyer to join our procurement team in the aerospace and defense sector. The Senior Buyer will play a crucial role in managing strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and purchasing activities to support our company’s objectives in quality, delivery, and cost-effectiveness. This role requires a deep understanding of aerospace and defense industry requirements, including compliance, quality standards, and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management:
  • Identify, assess, and qualify suppliers to ensure alignment with company objectives, compliance with industry standards, and delivery reliability.
  • Develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimize costs, ensure quality, and mitigate risks.
  • Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions to secure favorable terms that meet the company’s cost, quality, and lead-time requirements.
  • Maintain and strengthen relationships with key suppliers, ensuring alignment on strategic goals.
  • Strong cost reduction background in material, component, sub-assemblies, Design to specification items.
• Procurement and Inventory Management:
  • Manage the end-to-end procurement process for assigned categories, including RFQs, PO generation, and order tracking.
  • Optimize inventory levels to meet demand forecasts while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Engineering, Quality, Production) to ensure material availability and timely delivery.
  • Monitor and report on supplier performance, conducting regular reviews and taking corrective action as needed.
• Compliance and Documentation:
  • Ensure all procurement activities comply with regulatory standards, including ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and other relevant aerospace and defense regulations.
  • Maintain accurate records of purchases, pricing, and other important data for auditing and reporting purposes.
  • Manage import/export compliance requirements, collaborating with logistics teams to ensure smooth flow of goods.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings within the procurement function.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and new technologies that could benefit sourcing and procurement activities.
  • Lead and mentor junior members of the purchasing team, providing guidance in best practices, problem-solving, and career development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field; a Master’s degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of procurement experience, preferably within the aerospace or defense sector.
• In-depth knowledge of industry regulations, including ITAR, DFARS, and FAR.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proven track record in strategic sourcing and supplier management, especially with highly regulated or high-specification suppliers.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; familiarity with SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms is preferred.
• APICS or ISM certification (such as CPSM or CPIM) is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.