Senior Purchasing Strategist for Complex Materials

Austal USA; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Austal USA, a leading shipbuilder in Mobile, AL, seeks a seasoned Purchasing professional to lead a buying desk within the Purchasing Department. You will quote, negotiate, and issue purchase orders for raw materials, parts, and services, balancing cost, delivery, and quality while ensuring compliance with supply chain policies.

Day‑to‑day duties include escalating supplier performance issues, coordinating with material and production planning, and guiding junior buyers as needed in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field; 10+ years purchasing experience preferred.
• Experience with defense industry procurement and supplier management is desirable.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS/ITAR and government contracting processes.
• ERP/MRP proficiency and strong data analysis capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Quoting, negotiating, and issuing purchase orders up to authorized limits for materials and services.
• Balance price, delivery, quality, and service while rationalizing suppliers.
• Maintain open order reports, track due dates, and coordinate with planning and logistics.
• Develop supplier scorecards and assist with supplier audits and corrective actions.
• Represent Austal in supplier interactions and support cross‑functional teams.

Skills

Structured thinking

High‑risk purchasing

MS Office

ERP/MRP systems

Supply chain knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

10 years purchasing experience

Tools

IFS ERP

BAAN

SAP

JD Edwards

Oracle

Job description

Austal USA, a leading shipbuilder in Mobile, AL, seeks a seasoned Purchasing professional to lead a buying desk within the Purchasing Department. You will quote, negotiate, and issue purchase orders for raw materials, parts, and services, balancing cost, delivery, and quality while ensuring compliance with supply chain policies.

Day‑to‑day duties include escalating supplier performance issues, coordinating with material and production planning, and guiding junior buyers as needed in a