Buyer I

BLUE OPS INC•Valdosta, GA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Blue Ops, a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is hiring a full-time Buyer I to support purchasing functions and assist engineering and manufacturing teams with material planning and delivery. Blue Ops develops unmanned service vessels for defense, public safety, and other government security organizations. The Buyer reports to the Materials Manager and supports timely procurement for production and prototype needs in a fast-paced environment. The role calls for strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, organization, adaptability, and sound judgment. The position includes processing purchase requisitions and purchase orders, managing open orders, communicating with suppliers, supporting sourcing and cost negotiation, tracking supplier performance, and coordinating with internal teams and warehouse/receiving. It also involves maintaining procurement documentation, participating in material readiness reviews, and developing familiarity with procurement systems, processes, and compliance frameworks. The position requires a post-offer background check. Work involving export-controlled hardware, software, technology, or technical data requires proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence and no need for sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization. The company participates in E-Verify. Compensation is described as salary plus an annual equity package and potential additional compensation; no amount is specified.

Requirements

3–5+ years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or logistics.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to evolving priorities.
Knowledge of forecasting techniques or demand planning processes.
Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to move around an office or warehouse environment as needed.
Visual acuity to read and interpret electronic and printed documents.
Manual dexterity to operate office equipment and perform tasks such as typing and writing.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with colleagues and external partners.
Flexibility to adapt to changing work environments and responsibilities.
For work subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence and no need for sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization are required.
Successful completion of a post-offer background check.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP, NetSuite, or D365.
Experience creating SOPs or contributing to process documentation.
Working knowledge of Arena PLM or similar product lifecycle management tools.
Willingness to grow into supplier relationship management or project-based procurement roles.

Responsibilities

Assist with placing purchase orders for materials, components, and services under the direction of senior staff.
Assess supplier quotes, lead times, and basic sourcing options to support cost-effective procurement.
Collaborate with engineering, planning, and finance to align procurement with production and prototype timelines.
Track order status and follow up with vendors to support on-time delivery.
Coordinate with warehouse and receiving to confirm receipt and resolve discrepancies.
Support documentation and file maintenance in accordance with quality and audit standards.
Contribute to weekly material readiness reviews for key builds.
Review purchase requisitions, route them for approval, and convert approved requisitions into purchase orders.
Manage open purchase orders, including dates, quantities, and confirmations.
Contact suppliers for updates, advance shipping notices, and certificates; support expedite decision-making and supplier meetings.
Track vendor on-time-in-full performance and scorecards, and support sourcing strategy consolidation.
Support cost negotiations, price updates, supplier audits, and annual pricing agreements.
Communicate with suppliers regarding DMRs and RT quantities/returns.
Learn and develop proficiency in procurement systems, processes, and compliance frameworks.