Senior Buyer (Aerospace)

W3Global; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global in Columbus, MS, seeks an experienced Senior Buyer (Aerospace) to lead strategic sourcing and supplier management across high-specification programs.

The role requires ITAR/DFARS/FAR compliance, end-to-end procurement, inventory optimization, and collaboration with Engineering, Quality and Production to ensure on-time delivery and cost efficiency. You will mentor junior buyers and drive continuous improvement through process standardization and risk mitigation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field; master's preferred.
• 5+ years procurement experience in aerospace/defense.
• Deep knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, FAR.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proven strategic sourcing and supplier management experience with regulated suppliers.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; SAP or Oracle preferred.
• APICS or ISM certification desirable.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
• Able to work in fast-paced cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Identify, assess, and qualify suppliers to align with objectives and compliance.
• Develop sourcing strategies to optimize costs and lead times.
• Negotiate contracts to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Maintain relationships with key suppliers and monitor performance.
• Manage end-to-end procurement, RFQs, POs, and order tracking.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production for material availability and delivery.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, DFARS, FAR and export controls.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost savings in procurement processes.
• Mentor junior buyers and lead process standardization.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Negotiation

Contract management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Master's degree a plus

Tools

SAP

Oracle

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Buyer (Aerospace).

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.