Buyer, Supply Chain​/Logistics

An established manufacturer supporting the aerospace and defense industry is seeking an experienced Buyer/Planner to take ownership of purchasing, material planning, supplier coordination, and production support in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate brings strong planning and management skills, manufacturing experience, and the ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation. This role requires someone who can work cross-functionally, identify issues before they impact production, and drive suppliers and internal teams toward commitments.

Key Responsibilities Manage purchasing and material planning activities to support production schedules and customer commitments. Create, manage, and expedite purchase orders based on MRP requirements, inventory levels, production demand, and engineering changes. Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), specifications, and other technical documentation to ensure purchased materials and components meet requirements. Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Warehouse, and other departments on new product introductions, BOM changes, material shortages, and quality issues.

Monitor supplier performance, including delivery schedules, quality, PO aging, and on-time delivery. Proactively identify material shortages, supply-chain risks, and production constraints and develop solutions to keep programs on schedule. Resolve material-related issues involving MRB, RMA, RTV, rework, replacement, and supplier discrepancies. Ensure purchase orders include appropriate technical requirements and required documentation, including Certificates of Conformance, material certifications, packing slips, and supplier acknowledgements.

Analyze inventory and demand forecasts to maintain appropriate material levels while minimizing excess inventory and stockout risk. Work with suppliers to negotiate pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and other commercial terms. Support supplier qualification and maintenance, including required certifications, documentation, risk assessments, and compliance requirements. Collaborate with Accounting and internal teams to resolve purchasing, invoicing, and documentation discrepancies. Identify opportunities to improve purchasing, planning, inventory, and supplier-management processes.

Apply lean manufacturing principles and continuous-improvement practices to improve efficiency and material flow. Qualifications 3+ years of experience in purchasing, material planning, production planning, or supply-chain operations within a manufacturing environment. Experience supporting aerospace, defense, military, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, BOMs, specifications, and technical documentation. Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and material requirements planning.

Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively drive tasks to completion. Strong communication and cross-functional leadership/management skills with the ability to coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Warehouse, and suppliers. Strong critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Knowledge of ITAR and defense-industry requirements preferred. Understanding of Incoterms, payment terms, purchasing practices, and trade-compliance requirements preferred.

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or another technical discipline preferred. What We're Looking For We're looking for someone who…