Senior Buyer - Aerospace Components - JGA Space & Defense

Job Title: Senior Buyer – Aerospace Components
Location: Huntersville, NC
Department: Operations
Reports To: Operations Manager

Company Overview
JGA Space & Defense is a premier manufacturer of advanced specialty composites and precision machined components for aerospace, space, and defense applications. Formerly Joe Gibbs Manufacturing Solutions (JGMS), JGA has evolved from its roots in high-performance racing to become a trusted partner in delivering mission-critical solutions for the world’s leading innovators in national security and space exploration. With decades of experience engineering, qualifying and manufacturing solid rocket motor (SRM) hardware, including rocket nozzle ablative insulators and assemblies, JGA’s dedicated focus is on advancing the U.S. defense supply chain and supporting next generation space exploration out of our manufacturing facility in Huntersville, North Carolina.

Position Summary
The Senior Buyer is responsible for the strategic procurement of aerospace components and materials to support production requirements and business objectives. This role manages supplier performance, negotiates long-term pricing agreements, and ensures timely delivery of high-quality parts in compliance with aerospace standards. The Senior Buyer plays a critical role in maintaining a resilient and cost-effective supply chain aligned with AS9100 and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for aerospace components, raw materials, and outside processing services.
• Establish and negotiate long-term agreements (LTAs) with key suppliers to secure fixed pricing, capacity commitments, and favorable terms.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance, including on-time delivery (OTD), quality, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
• Collaborate with production planning, engineering, and quality teams to ensure material availability aligns with production schedules.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including capacity constraints, single-source dependencies, obsolescence, and geopolitical impacts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to enhance quality, reduce lead times, and optimize cost structures.
• Analyze market trends, material pricing, and supplier capabilities to inform sourcing decisions and negotiation strategies.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data within ERP/MRP systems, including pricing, lead times, and supplier records.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) efforts by sourcing qualified suppliers and ensuring readiness for production ramp-up.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, DPAS, and customer-specific requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of procurement or supply chain experience in aerospace or a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating long-term agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials, machining processes, and outside processing (e.g., heat treat, plating, NDT).
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Proven ability to analyze data and drive decisions related to cost, delivery, and supplier performance.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and regulatory requirements such as ITAR and export controls.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification such as CPSM, CPM, or APICS CPIM/CSCP.
• Experience supporting CNC machining environments or complex aerospace assemblies.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

Work Environment

• Office-based role within a manufacturing facility.
• Occasional travel to supplier sites for audits, performance reviews, and relationship management.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Opportunities for advancement and skill development.
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending account/health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance