Sr Buyer - FMC

Fairbanks Morse; Salem (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks Morse is seeking a Senior Buyer for Raw Materials to support the central FMC Supply Chain across business units. This hybrid/remote role involves sourcing, negotiating, and procuring materials and services for manufacturing, with strict DFARS/ITAR compliance and NOFORN awareness.

Travel up to 30% to FMC sites; collaborate with operations, finance, and quality to meet budgets and specs. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems is expected; U.S. citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in procurement, preferably in defense or regulated manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government contracting processes.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, VISUAL).

Responsibilities

• Manage the full procurement lifecycle from supplier selection and RFQ/RFP issuance to PO creation and delivery follow-up.
• Source and qualify suppliers meeting DFARS and ITAR requirements where required.
• Develop supplier relationships and manage performance; travel up to 30%.
• Perform cost analysis and negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to ensure best value.
• Collaborate with operations to ensure timely procurement meeting budgets and specs.
• Maintain procurement documentation for audits and compliance.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives and continuous improvement in supply chain.
• Ensure adherence to ethics, export control, and purchasing policies.
• Provide mentoring and training for junior team members.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Data analysis

Communication

AI tools

FAR/DFARS

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

SAP

Oracle

VISUAL

Job description

This position is for a Senior Buyer responsible for Raw Material under the newly formed central Fairbanks Morse Components (FMC) Supply Chain which will support all FMC Business Unit Supply chain requirements including but not limited to sourcing, negotiating, and procuring materials, components, and services to support manufacturing efforts and for setting long term strategies for procurement. This role requires strict attention to compliance with U.S. government contracting regulations, supplier performance standards, and quality assurance requirements. This is a hybrid/remote role, with travel to FMC sites as required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full procurement lifecycle, from supplier selection and RFQ/RFP issuance to purchase order creation, tracking, and delivery follow-up.
• Source and qualify suppliers that meet Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and ITAR requirements, where required.
• Develop supplier relationships and manage supplier performance via regular check-ins and site visits. Travel up to 30% may be required.
• Perform cost analysis and negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to achieve best value while maintaining compliance with company and government regulations.
• Collaborate with operations/administrative teams to ensure timely procurement of materials that support budget goals and adhere to technical/quality specifications.
• Manage supplier performance, delivery schedules, and quality metrics, resolving issues proactively to minimize production delays.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation for audits and contract compliance.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives and continuous improvement programs within the supply chain function.
• Ensure adherence to ethical standards, export control requirements, and corporate purchasing policies.
• Provide mentoring and training for less experienced team members.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of experience in procurement or purchasing, preferably in a defense, aerospace, or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government contracting processes.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, VISUAL).
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to organize and manage large amounts of data from various sources. Experience with AI tools a plus.
• U.S. citizenship required (due to government contract and export control regulations).

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to contribute to critical national defense programs.
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment.
• Career development and advancement opportunities within a growing defense manufacturing organization.

Note: This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information, which is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN) data. Therefore, to meet NOFORN requirement, you will have to provide proof of US Citizenship and attest that you do not have dual citizenship. Acceptable proof of US Citizenship is a US Passport, US Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate.

This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse Defense.