Senior Buyer- Aerospace or Defense (preferred)

MOHR Talent; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 66,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MOHR Talent is seeking a Senior Buyer in Starkville, MS to lead purchasing for materials, components, and design-to-spec items. You will source, evaluate, and qualify suppliers, and negotiate terms to support on-time production in a regulated aerospace environment.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in purchasing and experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP/Oracle). ITAR/DFARS/FAR compliance knowledge is a plus, with a bachelor's degree preferred and APICS/ISM/CPIM certification a bonus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or buyer experience.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or engineered products.
• ERP/MRP experience with SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing for materials, components, and design-to-specification items.
• Source, evaluate, and qualify suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and supplier agreements.
• Track purchase orders, RFQs, deliveries, and supplier performance.
• Partner with engineering, quality, production, and logistics teams.
• Support cost reduction and inventory control initiatives.
• Maintain purchasing records and documentation for audits.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and aerospace/defense requirements.
• Help improve procurement processes and supplier reliability.

Skills

5+ years purchasing experience

Negotiation

Excel proficiency

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

APICS/ISM/CPIM certification preferred

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Senior Buyer
Starkville, MS | Up to 110,000 salary with bonus
Schedule: Full-Time | Onsite

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with an established aerospace and defense manufacturer in Columbus, MS that is hiring a Senior Buyer to support purchasing, sourcing, supplier management, and cost reduction.

This is a strong fit for a buyer who has worked with materials, components, sub-assemblies, engineered products, or regulated manufacturing suppliers. The right candidate will be hands‑on with vendors, comfortable negotiating, and able to keep production moving while managing cost, quality, delivery, and compliance.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage purchasing for materials, components, and design-to-specification items.
• Source, evaluate, and qualify suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and supplier agreements.
• Track purchase orders, RFQs, deliveries, and supplier performance.
• Partner with engineering, quality, production, and logistics teams.
• Support cost reduction and inventory control initiatives.
• Maintain purchasing records and documentation for audits.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and aerospace/defense requirements.
• Help improve procurement processes and supplier reliability.

What They’re Looking For

• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or buyer experience.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or engineered products preferred.
• Strong supplier management, negotiation, and cost reduction background.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms preferred.
• Knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, FAR, or import/export compliance is a plus.
• Strong Excel, communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• APICS, ISM, CPSM, or CPIM certification is a plus.

Why You’ll Want This Role

• Opportunity to work in the aerospace and defense industry.
• High‑impact role supporting production, supplier performance, and cost savings.
• Strong cross‑functional exposure with engineering, quality, and operations.
• Great fit for someone who wants more than basic order processing.

MOHR Talent is an equal‑opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been discriminated against or have concerns about our compliance, please contact our Human Resources department at [e-mail]