Senior Buyer

Location: Laurel

Company Description

ARA is a leading C5

ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities.

Our disruptive, integrated solutions, assemblies and subsystems rise to the challenging demands of discerning, mission-critical customers.

We leverage our capabilities to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers and empower them to remain ahead of evolving threats and complexities in a dynamic security landscape.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Buyer to lead the procurement of complex materials and components that support production and program objectives. This role will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, mitigate supply chain risks, and drive cost-saving initiatives. The Senior Buyer will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and program management teams to ensure materials are available on time and meet technical specifications.

This role also provides mentorship and guidance to junior procurement staff.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead procurement of complex materials and components, creating, issuing, and managing a high volume of purchase orders to support production and program requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and strategically manage supplier relationships; monitor performance, drive improvements, and resolve issues related to quality, delivery, and pricing.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, proactively expediting orders to ensure production schedules and program deadlines are met.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and program management teams to align procurement strategies with company objectives.
• Develop material specifications, evaluate alternative solutions, and support design and engineering teams in sourcing decisions.
• Conduct market analysis, pricing evaluations, and supplier benchmarking to inform procurement strategies and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and lead process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulations, including ITAR and FAR/DFAR.
• Oversee logistics, shipment tracking, and management of freight, duties, and other procurement-related costs.
• Mentor and guide junior buyers or procurement staff, providing technical and strategic leadership.

Position Qualifications

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Competency Statements

• Adaptability
  - Adapts to change, open to new ideas and responsibilities
• Communication
  - Ability to communicate thoughts clearly, both oral and written in an honest, open and timely manner
• Job Knowledge
  - Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keeps job knowledge current
• Technical Skill
  - Possesses the knowledge and skills needed to perform a job or role effectively
• Dependability
  - Meets deadlines, works independently or in a team environment, is accountable, maintains focus, good attendance record
• Quality
  - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve products
• Ethics
  - Honest, accountable, maintains confidentiality
• Initiative / Take Ownership
  - Takes action, seeks new opportunities, strives to see projects to completion, meaning own your job and see it through
• Decision Making
  - Problem solve and critical thinking skills, be able to reach a decision, takes thoughtful approach when considering options, seeks input from others, makes difficult decisions
• Customer Focus
  - Understands and can meet the needs in a customer-centric (Internal and External) environment and build strong relationships. Promotes a positive image of the company and strives to solve issues raised by customers

Experience and Skills

• 5-7+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in aerospace, military, or technical industries.
• Strong knowledge of electromechanical/electronic components and commodity management.
• Technical knowledge of products, military specifications, and federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFAR).
• Experience with ERP systems (Costpoint preferred) and fixed pricing agreements.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead procurement projects and mentor junior staff.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain or related field, required
• Certification in procurement or supply chain (CPSM, CPIM) preferred

Antenna Research Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non-discrimination and affirmative action. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally…