Senior Buyer & Expeditor

Zone 5 Technologies • San Luis Obispo, CA

5d

About The Position

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Buyer / Expeditor to lead procurement execution and supplier delivery performance in a government defense contracting environment. This role is responsible for end-to-end purchasing activities with a strong emphasis on expediting, supplier coordination, and ensuring on-time material availability to support production and program schedules. The ideal candidate has a strong background in procurement execution, supplier communication, and expediting within regulated environments. This role works cross-functionally with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and program teams to proactively manage supply risks, resolve delivery issues, and ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and internal procurement policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain operations, with a strong focus on expediting or supplier management.
• Experience working in a government contracting or highly regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of purchase order management, supplier coordination, and delivery tracking.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Unanet, SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data tracking.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and ITAR requirements.
• Experience managing supplier delivery performance and expediting in complex supply chains.
• Background in resolving supplier quality or delivery issues in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• APICS or ISM certification (CPIM, CSCP, CPSM) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Execute and manage purchase orders for materials, components, and services in alignment with production schedules and program requirements.
• Actively expedite open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery and quickly resolve delays or supply disruptions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers regarding order status, delivery commitments, and issue resolution.
• Monitor and maintain accurate promise dates, delivery schedules, and order status within ERP/MRP systems.
• Ensure purchase orders include all required technical, quality, and contractual flow-down requirements.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including shortages, late deliveries, and capacity constraints.
• Coordinate with suppliers to resolve discrepancies, nonconformances, and receiving issues in partnership with quality and engineering teams.
• Support supplier performance management by tracking on-time delivery, responsiveness, and fulfillment accuracy.
• Collaborate with planning, production, and program teams to prioritize critical material needs and adjust order priorities accordingly.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and ensure audit readiness in compliance with government regulations and internal policies.
• Assist in onboarding new suppliers as needed and ensure proper documentation and compliance requirements are met.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement execution, expediting processes, and supplier communication.

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package
• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year
• 12 annual company holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior