Senior Buyer – Aerospace Metals & Outside Processing

JMJ PHILLIP; Whippany (NJ); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

JMJ PHILLIP is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead strategic sourcing and procurement of aerospace-grade metals, components, and outside processing services in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and drive cost-improvement initiatives while ensuring on-time delivery and regulatory compliance across cross-functional teams in Whippany, NJ.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field.
• 5–10 years purchasing or procurement experience in aerospace/defense/advanced manufacturing.
• Experience purchasing aerospace-grade metals and outside processing.

Responsibilities

• Source aerospace materials and outside processing services to support production schedules.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to meet cost and availability targets.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and supplier terms; lead cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Production Control, and Manufacturing to resolve supply chain issues.
• Maintain purchasing records and supplier data within ERP/MRP systems.

Skills

Procurement experience

ERP/MRP systems

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory awareness

Program management

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Supply Chain, Business, Engineering)

Tools

ERP/MRP software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead the strategic sourcing and procurement of aerospace-grade metals, machined components, and outside processing services. This role is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of critical materials and services while supporting quality, cost, delivery, and regulatory requirements in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Source and procure aerospace raw materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, nickel alloys, forgings, castings, and other specialty metals.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support production requirements, cost objectives, and material availability.
• Analyze market conditions, commodity trends, and supply risks to support purchasing decisions.

Outside Processing Management

• Manage procurement activities for outside processing services, including heat treating, plating, anodizing, passivation, painting and coatings, non-destructive testing, chemical processing, and other specialized services.
• Ensure suppliers meet applicable quality, delivery, and certification requirements.
• Expedite critical materials and outside processing orders as needed to support customer delivery commitments.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and strategic partners.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness.
• Identify and implement corrective actions or improvement opportunities when necessary.
• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers in accordance with established quality and procurement procedures.

Contract & Cost Management

• Negotiate pricing, contracts, long-term agreements, and supplier terms.
• Lead cost-reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, and process improvements.
• Support inventory planning and purchasing strategies that balance cost, availability, and production requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Production Control, Manufacturing, and other internal teams to resolve supply chain challenges.
• Review MRP requirements and issue purchase orders to support production schedules.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier information within ERP/MRP systems.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Support compliance with applicable aerospace quality standards, customer requirements, and government regulations.
• Ensure purchasing activities align with requirements related to export controls, defense contracting, and aerospace manufacturing.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 5–10 years of purchasing or procurement experience in an aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience purchasing aerospace-grade metals and managing suppliers providing specialized outside processing services.
• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes and supply chain requirements.
• Experience negotiating supplier contracts, pricing, and commercial agreements.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)

• APICS, CPSM, CPM, or other relevant procurement or supply chain certifications.
• Experience working in an AS9100-certified environment.
• Knowledge of NADCAP requirements and special process controls.
• Familiarity with ITAR and other export control requirements.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, military, or commercial aviation programs.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive salary range of $105,000–$115,000 annually.
• Opportunity to play a key role in a specialized aerospace supply chain environment.
• High visibility and collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain leadership.
• Opportunity to lead strategic sourcing, supplier development, and cost improvement initiatives.
• Professional growth within a technically advanced and highly regulated industry.

Why Whippany?

Whippany offers convenient access to the greater New York and New Jersey metropolitan area while maintaining the benefits of a well-established suburban community. The area provides access to a diverse professional workforce, transportation options, dining, recreation, and cultural attractions, making it an attractive location for professionals seeking both career opportunities and quality of life.