**Location:
**Radford, VA 24141
**Duration: **12+ months (High likelihood of extension)
Shift: 8AM – 5PM, Monday to Friday (9/80 schedule, 80 hours in 9 business days)
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to support spare parts procurement and strategic sourcing activities for a large industrial facilities operation. This role will be responsible for identifying and developing supplier relationships, leading sourcing initiatives, managing RFQ/RFP processes, negotiating commercial agreements, and ensuring cost-effective procurement of materials and components.
The ideal candidate will bring strong procurement and supplier management experience, technical knowledge of engineering requirements and component drawings, and the ability to collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and other cross-functional teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard domestic and international suppliers to support business objectives and sourcing requirements.
- Lead and manage RFQ/RFP processes, evaluate supplier quotations, analyze bids, and make informed sourcing decisions.
- Negotiate supplier pricing, contracts, and long-term strategic agreements.
- Collaborate with design and component engineering teams on quality improvements, cost reduction opportunities, and design changes.
- Develop and strengthen supplier relationships to improve quality, delivery, cost, and service performance.
- Monitor global market trends, supplier capacity, material availability, and pricing fluctuations to identify and mitigate supply chain risks.
- Analyze forecasted demand, supplier bids, procurement data, and financial information to support sourcing decisions.
- Conduct cost and price analysis to evaluate supplier proposals and establish negotiation strategies.
- Collaborate with commodity managers, tactical buyers, program teams, and other supply chain stakeholders on strategic procurement initiatives.
- Monitor supplier performance throughout the procurement lifecycle, ensuring compliance with business requirements.
- Apply continuous improvement methods to enhance procurement processes, operational efficiency, and cost savings.
- Maintain accurate purchasing documentation and ensure timely closure of completed purchase orders.
- Support a safe working environment and comply with applicable safety policies and objectives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent experience.
- Experience purchasing across multiple commodities.
- Working knowledge of RFQ/RFP development, contract management, financial analysis, supplier negotiations, and purchase order documentation.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and component specifications.
- Knowledge of engineering requirements, technical terminology, and component requirements.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Experience managing procurement data, analytics, and reporting through ERP systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the defense or aerospace industry.
- Knowledge of ITAR restrictions, FAR, and DFARS requirements.
- Experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
- Experience conducting or supporting supplier audits.
- Experience with strategic sourcing, supplier development, and long-term supplier agreements.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a strategic and technically capable procurement professional with strong supplier negotiation, sourcing, and analytical skills. They can independently manage procurement activities, interpret engineering requirements, evaluate supplier performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and collaborate effectively with engineering and supply chain teams.
If you have a strong background in strategic purchasing, technical procurement, and supplier management, we encourage you to apply.
You should be proficient in:
- Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
- ITAR Compliance
- Vendor & Supplier Management
- Sourcing and Procurement Experience
- Blueprint Reading
- Aerospace Procurement
- Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Component Procurement
- Contract Management
- Defense Procurement
- Engineering Drawings
- FAR
- FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation)/DFAR (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement)
- Inventory Management
- Manufacturing Procurement
- Procurement Analytics
- Purchase Order Management
- RFP (Request for Proposal)
- RFQ (Request for Quotation)
- Strategic Sourcing
- MS office Suite
Machines & technologies you'll use: