Lead Buyer

Supply Chain & Material Strategy Lead

Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

This role serves as the key liaison between Operations site leadership, Program/Product teams, and the Supply Chain organization. You will oversee and execute the site’s material strategy to ensure seamless support from production planning through fulfillment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage financial aspects including EVMS, budgets, targets, working capital, and material sales
• Lead supplier management activities such as Line of Balance (LOB), risk/opportunity assessments, performance metrics, and sourcing strategies (make/buy decisions, tactical/strategic sourcing)
• Ensure timely placement and receipt of materials aligned with site requirements, including complete material ownership (schedule, cost, Material EAC)
• Drive supplier performance to exceed leadership expectations and optimize customer flow-through requirements
• Develop processes, analyze data, and problem-solve to improve operations and support safe human spaceflight initiatives

Candidate Attributes:

• Strong influencing, facilitation, and communication skills
• Proven leadership and technical expertise
• Ability to develop and analyze processes, KPIs, and metrics
• Passion for mission-driven work and quality

Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, or related fields
• Bachelor’s degree required; minimum of 2 years in procurement, planning, MRP/ERP systems, BOM management, or material estimating
• Experience managing complex projects with tight schedules and limited resources
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
• Technical understanding of defense acquisition processes and supply chain operations
• Demonstrated ability to develop scalable processes, negotiate effectively, and manage multiple priorities
• Lean/Six Sigma experience and proficiency in data analysis and modeling
• Ability to work in ambiguous environments and drive continuous improvement
• Occasional travel required
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee

Preferred:

• PMP or project management certification
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint and Coupa systems