Purchasing Associate

Butler National designs and manufactures commercial and defense electronics for OEMs, contractors, and government agencies. The team produces both custom assemblies and commercial off-the-shelf solutions.

Position Summary

The Purchasing Associate is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing materials, components, and outside services required for manufacturing operations. This role works closely with production, engineering, quality, and accounting to maintain inventory levels, support production schedules, and develop strong supplier relationships. The ideal candidate has experience in supply chain management, manufacturing, purchasing, aerospace, or a related industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and purchase raw materials, hardware, tooling, and manufacturing supplies.
• Issue purchase orders and monitor order status to ensure on-time delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and terms.
• Coordinate with production planning to maintain material availability and prevent shortages.
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend purchasing strategies to optimize inventory while minimizing costs.
• Evaluate supplier performance for quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.
• Expedite critical orders and resolve supplier delivery or quality issues.
• Obtain quotes, compare pricing, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records within the ERP/MRP system.
• Collaborate with Quality to ensure suppliers meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within purchasing and supply chain operations.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and aerospace quality standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing or a highly regulated manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of supply chain management principles and inventory control.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Operations, or a related field is a plus.

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace manufacturing
• Electronic of Electromechanical production
• Precision machining or CNC manufacturing
• AS9100 or ISO quality systems
• Production planning and scheduling
• Inventory management and forecasting

What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401K
• Stable, team-oriented work environment
• Opportunity to grow with a successful manufacturer