Production Buyer

Overview

Founded in 1990, True Position Technologies (TPT) is a leading provider of complex machined components and assemblies for critical flight control applications in the aerospace and defense industries. As part of the Precision Components Group within HBD Industries, Inc., TPT is committed to maintaining technology and business leadership, satisfying our customers with superior quality products, reliability, on-time deliveries and support of our organization whose culture is focused on continuous improvement.

Position Summary

The Production Buyer is directly responsible for meeting customer requirements, through raw materials, hardware, outside processing and MRO procurement based on the issued production schedule. This role requires substantial independent decision-making and collaboration with internal stakeholders. This position confers with vendors to obtain product or service information, such as price, availability, and delivery schedule. The Production Buyer will work directly in support of production operations and in collaboration with department managers, engineers or operations staff. This role works with quality on proper disposition of defective or unacceptable goods or services. This individual must be self-motivated and able to manage multiple competing priorities that may change quickly. This role is fully onsite and critical to ensuring material availability, vendor performance, and production continuity. The Production Buyer reports to the Supply Chain Manager.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow safety policies, ensure safety and 5S findings are reported in a timely fashion, and set a good example for safety for the site.
• Follows ERP standard work as prescribed and trained for the buyer role.

Procurement Management

• Source and purchase any materials required to support production such as MRO items, hardware and specialized castings/forgings.
• Manage procurement of bar stock in various heat codes and sizes to support product portfolio.
• Monitors inventory levels and proactively adjust procurement plans to prevent shortages or excess stock, ensuring uninterrupted production flow.
• Collaborate with quality team to isolate and contain vendor quality dropouts and issues related to raw materials or hardware.
• Maintains thorough documentation and follow-up for procurement related activities including vendor follow-ups, delivery date determinations and delivery date confirmations.

Vendor & Outside Processing Coordination

• Coordinates processing and vendor management for Outside Processing (OSP) work orders to ensure timely execution and quality compliance.
• Manages scheduling and receipt of OSP orders, maintaining accurate tracking to support production flow.
• Identifies and recommends expedite opportunities to prevent delays and sustain production schedule.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with OSP vendors to drive on-time delivery and adherence to specifications.
• Develops alternate sourcing strategies for critical outside processes to reduce risk and maintain production schedules.

Production Support

• Aligns material purchasing strategies with sales forecasts and production schedules through close collaboration with Production Planning.
• Engages directly with production, planning and quality teams to anticipate and respond to dynamic customer and sales requirements.
• Participate in contract review processes and source for new product development (NPD) quoting of raw material and outside processes.
• Identifies and recommends production opportunities to prevent delays and sustain production schedule.
• Supports the Production Planner in the development and adjustment of both long and short-term production schedules.

Compliance & Documentation

• Applies knowledge of castings, forgings, and bar stock specifications to ensure precision manufacturing and compliance with engineering and customer requirements.
• Drives supplier compliance with aerospace and defense requirements by enforcing standards such as AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, NADCAP and customer-specific contractual obligations.
• Actively communicates expectations, audits adherence, and implements corrective actions to ensure quality, regulatory, and security compliance across the vendor base.

Experience and Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, operations management or supply chain management– or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
• 2 years of experience using MRP principles, concepts, practices, standards, and best practices to direct material purchases as well as maintain inventory targets.
• 2 years of experience using MS Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Proficiency in ERP systems; D365F&O/SAP/Oracle preferred.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and cost analysis skills.
• Familiarity with BOM management, MRP systems, and supply chain risk assessment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication required – the Production Buyer will frequently interface with members of the TPT team using various means of written and verbal communication.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• The buyer is a “work every day at the factory” role. This position is based primarily in an office setting within a manufacturing facility. Daily responsibilities involve extensive use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment to support production operations. This role may occasionally require entering the shop floor and visiting outside processors. which can involve standing, walking, bending, and lifting materials or documents (up to 30 lbs.). Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when on the production floor. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for individuals with disabilities.

The Business Unit

• HBD Industries, Inc. (www.hbdindustries.com) is a privately held diversified US manufacturer of industrial products. Our businesses are all known for proprietary and differentiated technology, quality and reliability, and responsiveness to unique customer needs. We serve some of the most demanding end markets, from aerospace & defense, medical devices, material handling, food processing, power generation, oil & gas, and many other general industrial segments.

HBD Industries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.