Strategic Outside Services Buyer

Athena Manufacturing; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Athena Manufacturing is seeking an Outside Services Buyer to manage outsourced manufacturing operations, including subcontract machining, waterjet processing, and finishing services. You will ensure suppliers meet quality, delivery, and cost targets while supporting production schedules and continuous improvement efforts.

The role serves as the primary liaison across Supply Chain, Program Management, Quality, Estimating, and Production to drive supplier performance, lead-time accuracy, and

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Supply Chain, Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, supplier management, manufacturing operations, or supply chain.
• Experience working with outsourced manufacturing suppliers or outside service providers.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting Aerospace, Defense, Semiconductor, or Precision Manufacturing industries.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems.
• ERP/MRP system experience.
• Experience with supplier audits, corrective actions, and supplier development programs.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage all outside service providers, subcontract manufacturers, waterjet suppliers, machining partners, and special process vendors.
• Ensure outsourced operations support production schedules and customer delivery commitments.
• Maintain and update outside service schedules within ERP systems.
• Monitor open outside service orders and ensure all required purchase orders are issued and maintained.
• Coordinate movement of material to and from suppliers to support production schedules.
• Ensure timely receipt and processing of outsourced materials and components.
• Identify potential schedule risks and implement recovery plans to minimize customer impact.
• Monitor supplier delivery, quality, responsiveness, and overall performance.
• Participate in supplier performance reviews and communicate performance expectations.
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards and performance metrics.
• Escalate supplier-related risks and concerns to leadership and Program Management.
• Coordinate supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support supplier audits and qualification activities.
• Develop sourcing strategies that support quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to support growth and capacity requirements.
• Perform supplier cost analysis and support cost reduction initiatives.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and annual service agreements as directed.
• Support supply chain risk mitigation and supplier diversification efforts.
• Partner with Finance and Accounts Payable to resolve invoice and pricing discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate supplier lead times within ERP routings.
• Communicate lead-time changes to Program Management, Production, and Estimating teams.
• Support Estimating during RFQ and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by obtaining supplier quotations.
• Participate in estimating and sourcing strategy discussions for outsourced manufacturing opportunities.
• Provide supplier capacity and lead-time information to support customer quoting activities.
• Collaborate with Program Management, Quality, Production, Engineering, and Estimating teams.
• Coordinate resolution of supplier-related issues involving damaged, missing, or nonconforming material.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
• Drive effective communication between internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Skills

Supplier management

Lean / Continuous improvement

Negotiation

Quality systems knowledge

Education

Associate degree in Supply Chain/Business/Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP Systems (M2M preferred)

Supplier Scorecard/Performance Tools

RFQ/Quoting Platforms

Job description

Athena Manufacturing is seeking an Outside Services Buyer to manage outsourced manufacturing operations, including subcontract machining, waterjet processing, and finishing services. You will ensure suppliers meet quality, delivery, and cost targets while supporting production schedules and continuous improvement efforts.

The role serves as the primary liaison across Supply Chain, Program Management, Quality, Estimating, and Production to drive supplier performance, lead-time accuracy, and