Purchasing Buyer

Aston Carter•Wichita, KS

7d•$25 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring materials and services to support the manufacturing of aerospace and defense components. This role ensures on-time delivery, cost competitiveness, and compliance with quality and regulatory requirements. The Buyer works cross-functionally with operations, engineering, and program management teams to meet production schedules, manage supplier performance, and resolve supply chain challenges. This position requires strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in ERP/MRP systems.

Requirements

Minimum of 2+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
Experience in aerospace or defense industry strongly preferred
Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (Infor Visual preferred)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis)
Strong understanding of procurement processes, supplier management, and negotiation techniques
Knowledge of ITAR, export controls, and CMMC requirements
Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field
Professional certification (APICS, ISM, or similar)
Experience in AS9100 and/or Nadcap environments

Responsibilities

Procure a wide range of materials and services including hardware, raw materials, consumables, tooling, outsourced machining, surface treatments, MRO items, and other supply chain needs
Generate and manage Requests for Quotation (RFQs); analyze supplier proposals for cost, quality, and delivery
Negotiate pricing, lead times, and favorable terms to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency
Create, issue, and manage purchase orders (POs) and revisions within the ERP system
Ensure timely supplier acknowledgement and fulfillment of all purchase orders
Monitor supplier performance, including delivery, quality, and responsiveness; maintain accurate supplier records and certifications
Track and manage open orders, shortages, and past-due items; proactively communicate risks and escalate issues as needed
Partner with internal teams (operations, engineering, program management) to align procurement activities with production and customer schedules
Maintain accurate MRP/ERP data, including lead times, pricing, and planning parameters
Support long-term agreement (LTA) negotiations and monitor supplier compliance when applicable
Analyze purchase spend against customer quotes and escalate significant variances
Coordinate and host supplier visits and support supplier relationship management efforts
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain efficiency and effectiveness