Supplier Quality​/Sr. Buyer III

Overview

Lead Innovation. Build Excellence. Drive Results.

CPI is seeking a highly experienced and independent Supplier Quality / Senior Buyer III to lead strategic sourcing and supplier quality initiatives across fabrication, manufacturing, and raw material categories. This role is critical to achieving cost savings, improving supplier performance, and supporting CPI’s operational excellence. Reporting directly to the Director of Supply Chain Management, the Buyer will operate with minimal supervision and serve as a key contributor to CPI’s procurement strategy and supplier development efforts.

U.S. Citizenship is required.

• Execute and manage purchase orders for high-value, high-risk commodities including fabrication, manufacturing, and raw materials
• Lead supplier negotiations to improve quality and reduce total cost of ownership
• Prepare and issue complex purchase orders and agreements, ensuring compliance with internal policies and procedures
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks during negotiation of terms and conditions
• Develop new supply sources when existing suppliers are no longer competitive
• Recommend cost-saving alternatives and sourcing strategies
• Monitor supplier performance across cost, schedule, and quality metrics
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services
• Conduct supplier onsite visits—approximately 20% travel required

• Partner with management on commodity business plans, market trends, pricing, and availability
• Supports proposal activities with innovative solutions to meet Program needs and requirements
• Coordinate with engineering, QA, and program management to resolve supplier quality issues
• Mentor junior buyers and contribute to team development

• Ensure procurement activities align with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFAR) and contractual flow-downs
• Maintain accurate records in ERP/MRP systems and CRM tools
• Perform cost/price analysis on moderate to high complexity procurements
• Publish trip reports and contribute to supplier strategy sessions
• Support internal audits and compliance reviews as needed

Performs other duties as needed and assigned.

• U.S. Citizenship required; no visa sponsorship or permanent residence considered
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or APICS certification preferred
• 8+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain
• Strong background in fabrication, manufacturing, and raw materials
• Proven supplier management and sourcing expertise
• Skilled in negotiation, cost analysis, and risk mitigation
• Familiar with FAR/DFAR, ERP/MRP systems, and government contracting requirements
• Able to lead complex procurements and mentor junior buyers
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and ability to resolve complex issues creatively

Shaping the future through innovation and discovery!

With a history spanning more than seven decades, Communications & Power Industries’ thousands of products have impacted people’s lives in numerous unseen ways every day. Our highly engineered products serve as the backbone of modern-day commercial and military communications systems, assist in diagnosing medical conditions, empower scientific discoveries and space exploration, and much more.

CPI is headquartered in Plano, Texas and is a global manufacturer of electronic components and subsystems. We have manufacturing locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. With a heritage of technological excellence, our team serves customers in the communications, defense, medical, industrial, and scientific markets.

We offer our employees an attractive compensation package with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including health and wellness programs, career development, generous retirement savings plan with company match, and more. We are committed to cultivating a healthy, dynamic, and team-oriented environment that empowers employees to…