We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead the strategic procurement of aerospace components, raw materials, special processing services, equipment, and indirect commodities. This role will work closely with internal teams and suppliers to maintain uninterrupted material flow, support production and customer requirements, manage costs, and ensure compliance with applicable aerospace quality and regulatory standards.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support quality, delivery, operational, and cost objectives.
Manage the full procurement lifecycle for aerospace components, machined parts, forgings, castings, raw materials, assemblies, equipment, and outside processing services.
Analyze MRP requirements and production schedules to ensure materials and services are available to support customer delivery commitments.
Solicit quotations, conduct cost and price analyses, and negotiate pricing, lead times, terms, and contractual conditions.

Supplier Management & Performance

Evaluate, qualify, and monitor suppliers based on quality, delivery, capacity, responsiveness, and regulatory compliance.
Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while driving continuous improvement.
Track supplier performance metrics and participate in supplier development and risk mitigation activities.
Monitor market conditions, material availability, industry trends, and other factors affecting the aerospace supply chain.

Compliance & Purchase Order Management

Ensure purchase orders are accurate and include applicable customer, engineering, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Manage required flow-down provisions, including engineering revisions, specifications, AS9100 requirements, First Article Inspection requirements, export control requirements, government contracting clauses, and priority ratings where applicable.
Support customer, regulatory, and third-party audits as required.

Issue Resolution & Material Continuity

Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to resolve technical issues, specification questions, nonconforming material reports, and supplier corrective actions.
Expedite critical material shortages and proactively address supplier delivery issues to minimize production disruptions.
Coordinate the disposition, replacement, or correction of nonconforming supplier materials to maintain production continuity.
Collaborate with Finance and Accounts Payable to resolve invoicing, payment, and pricing discrepancies.

Continuous Improvement & Inventory Optimization

Support initiatives focused on inventory optimization, supplier performance, cost reduction, and process improvement.
Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes and strengthen supply chain efficiency.
Participate in special projects and other purchasing initiatives as needed.

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of purchasing or supply chain experience in aerospace, defense, aviation, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Experience procuring manufactured components, raw materials, and special processing services.
Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes and supply chain requirements.
Working knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace industry standards.
Familiarity with applicable government contracting, export control, and priority-rating requirements.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials, specifications, and technical documentation.
Strong supplier negotiation, contract management, cost analysis, and strategic sourcing skills.
Experience using ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing environment.
Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Planning, Finance, and external suppliers.
Ability to meet applicable export compliance requirements and obtain any necessary government authorizations for access to controlled technical information.

Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)

APICS/ASCM certification, such as CPIM or CSCP.
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).
Other relevant supply chain or procurement certifications.
Experience supporting aerospace, defense, military, or OEM programs.
Knowledge of aerospace customer flow-down requirements and government contracting.
Experience with forgings, precision machining, special processing, or complex aerospace assemblies.

What the Role Offers

Competitive salary range of $105,000–$115,000 annually.
A key role supporting strategic procurement and supply chain operations within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Opportunity to work closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Planning, and key suppliers.
Involvement in supplier development, strategic sourcing, cost reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within supply chain and procurement leadership.

Why Whippany?

Whippany offers a convenient suburban setting with access to major business centers throughout New Jersey and the greater New York metropolitan area. The area provides strong transportation connectivity, diverse dining and recreational opportunities, and access to a broad professional and manufacturing community.