Buyer III

Attalon, Inc.•Traverse City, MI

13d•$72,000 - $96,500

About The Position

The Buyer III is responsible for purchasing, expediting, and coordinating suppliers for production materials, with a particular focus on new product introduction and development. The role supports development schedules through timely procurement execution, accurate purchase order management, and supplier issue resolution. Experience with IFS Cloud is strongly preferred. The Buyer III ensures compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and other government contracting requirements in coordination with Engineering, Program Management, Contracts, Quality, and Compliance. The buyer is accountable for incorporating supply chain considerations, risks, and requirements throughout design, prototype, development, and production phases. The position is based at Attalon’s Traverse City, Michigan manufacturing and R&D campus, which includes precision manufacturing, advanced cleanrooms, and R&D laboratories. The role also serves as backup for Shipping, preparing outbound shipments and completing required ERP transactions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in supply chain or procurement.
Strong ability to manage supplier communications and production-driven priorities.
Ability to manage fast-paced, cross-functional engineering interactions.
Ability to understand and communicate technical information related to precision-engineered components.
Experience working with ERP systems.
Excellent time-management, organizational, and analytical skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace and defense supply chain management, including procurement, subcontract management, and supplier sourcing.
Strong background supporting new product introduction and development projects and teams.
Expertise in strategic sourcing, particularly for precision opto-mechanical assemblies, laser systems, and optical, mechanical, and electrical components.
IFS or Oracle ERP experience; IFS Cloud experience is strongly preferred.
Proficiency in supplier cost control, schedule-driven execution, and long-term cost-reduction strategies.
Experience with LEAN initiatives and continuous improvement in supply chain operations.
Familiarity with operations functions beyond supply chain, including Quality, Inventory Management, Shipping/Receiving, and Configuration Management/Document Control.
Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, Sales, and Contracts.
Background supporting risk-mitigation strategies such as dual-sourcing and supply continuity planning.
Knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and government-contracting requirements.

Responsibilities

Execute purchase orders for materials, equipment, supplies, and services supporting engineering, development, and ongoing operations.
Issue RFQs to approved suppliers, evaluate quotations, negotiate pricing and delivery terms, and place purchase orders in accordance with procurement policies.
Manage purchase order updates, delivery schedules, and follow-up to resolve delays, shortages, and other supply issues.
Lead Supply Chain activities for development projects from concept through launch, ensuring materials and services meet program timelines.
Represent Supply Chain on cross-functional development teams, working with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Planning, Quality, and Program Management.
Track and manage long-lead items, procurement milestones, and material readiness for prototype and development builds.
Monitor project inventory and identify risks that could affect build schedules or material availability.
Lead supplier identification, evaluation, selection, and onboarding for new technologies, components, and assemblies.
Support supplier qualification and capability assessments with Supplier Quality and Engineering teams.
Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, and other export control requirements, including supplier eligibility and proper handling of controlled technical data.
Assist in preparing supply chain plans outlining sourcing needs, risks, and supplier actions for assigned programs.
Own Engineering Change Order execution from a supply chain perspective, ensuring timely supplier alignment and continuity of supply.
Serve as backup for Shipping, including preparing outbound shipments and completing required ERP transactions.