Buyer

The Buyer assists with sourcing, negotiating, purchasing and managing the timely delivery of parts, materials, and services to support Company operations. This role collaborates with internal stakeholders, vendors, and regulatory personnel to ensure procurement activities meet quality, cost, and compliance requirements. Additionally, this role is critical in maintaining inventory availability, supporting aircraft readiness, and ensuring seamless supply change operations. The information below is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide purchasing support to European operating locations, including US sites and direct execution of Local Procurement Orders.
• Review and evaluate material requests (MR), verifying specifications and availability before initiating procurement actions. 
• Monitor Estimated Deliver Dates (EDDS) from suppliers, coordinate and communicate with transportation providers or internal shipping/receiving teams to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of purchases:
  • Track and monitor requisitions, ensuring delivery dates are communicated and updated in coordination with requestor(s); provide timely status updates and resolve discrepancies as needed.
  • Evaluate and monitor supplier performance to ensure compliance with quality standards, delivery timelines, and contractual requirements.
  • Buyer will inform DA Defense personnel who initated the requisition for the obtained EDDS and provide updates on delivery status.
• Prioritize the development of strategic sourcing methods that drive cost savings and operational efficiency; negotiate and finalize agreements with vendors to support long-term value and reliability.
• Communicate shipping and part anomalies, such as broken parts, warranty/certification issues, delays, overcharges, etc.) with vendors and with suppliers to develop a solution.
• Gather and validate essential information for accurate population and maintenance of internal databases. 
• Act as the Supply Representative while on temporary deployment to operating or other offsite locations.
• Initiate and process purchase orders for locally sourced consumables, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to qualify and cost standards.
• Ensure all incoming materials undergo inspection in accordance with quality control standards. Finalize final shipping location and proper entry into the database. 
• Follow established procurement procedures to determine appropriate sourcing from satellite or central supply, and to assess required purchase quantities based on operational needs. 
• Create a Request for Quote (RFQ) to obtain price and availability (P&A); participate and provide recommendations for purchase in the selection process, as needed.
• Generate and issue Purchase Orders (PO) in accordance with approved requisitions and procurement policies.                                                                                                                                                                                              
• Monitor and adjust inventory stock levels (min/max settings) in response to unscheduled failure trends and ensure systems are configured to provide timely alerts to enable proactive procurement action.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS 

• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while fostering a positive attitude.
• Must be able to work cohesively with internal and external customers.
• Must have strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in the English language with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must demonstrate safe and healthy workplace practices.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to travel within the US and internationally.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a Buyer in daily work performance.
• Must be able to work in various weather environments and conditions.
• Must be able to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) and not be barred from any installation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required.

EDUCATION AND/OR WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma
• 2 years’ experience in purchasing/logistics
• Associate degree preferred
• IATA Certification Preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

The Buyer must be eligible to work in ITAR-controlled environments. They must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time working at a computer and be able to listen and speak clearly on the telephone. They are also required to occasionally stand, bend, kneel, crouch and walk safely in a warehouse environment. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. This role is performed around loud noises and hazardous chemicals with exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risks of electrical shock.   

Disclaimer: This position requires the ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions as outlined in the job description. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be expected to meet qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards as part of the job requirements, with allowances where necessary under the ADA, FMLA, and other relevant laws.