Senior Buyer

HDI•Livonia, MI

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Beaver Aerospace & Defense, a Héroux-Devtek company, is seeking a Buyer / Senior Buyer to source and purchase specialty metals, forgings, precision components, and outside processing for flight-critical aerospace and defense products. This role negotiates with suppliers, manages long-lead material in a low-volume, high-mix environment, and ensures every purchase meets AS9100, ITAR, and DFARS requirements. Level is based on experience. This job description indicates the general nature and level of the work expected and is not designed to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
3+ years of experience as a Buyer, Buyer/Planner, Purchasing Agent, or Contract Specialist in aerospace, defense, or government procurement
Working knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, and DFARS requirements, including purchase order flowdowns
Experience purchasing metals, machined components, or outside processing
Experience managing long-lead material in a low-volume, high-mix environment
Experience running RFQs and negotiating price and lead time with suppliers
Working knowledge of SAP, Oracle, or comparable ERP/MRP systems
Strong communication, negotiation, and follow-through skills
Willingness to travel to supplier sites as required (estimated 10–20%)
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship
Must meet ITAR eligibility requirements
Ability to move through industrial or manufacturing areas and consistently observe established safety policies, including use of appropriate personal protective equipment

Nice To Haves

Senior Buyer level: 6+ years of experience, including negotiating Long-Term Agreements and managing a supplier spend portfolio of $10M or more
Government procurement experience (DLA, DCMA, or contract specialist)
Military supply, logistics, or contracting background
Experience with first article inspection (AS9102) and NADCAP special processes
Experience purchasing precision motion control, bearing, or actuation components
APICS CPIM, CSCP, or ISM CPSM certification

Responsibilities

Source and purchase specialty steels and alloys, forgings, castings, precision machined components, bearings, electromechanical components, and outside processing (heat treat, plating, grinding, NDT)
Lead RFQs and evaluate supplier quotes on price, capability, capacity, lead time, and quality; recommend awards
Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) with key suppliers
Manage supplier performance on on-time delivery, quality, and cost; drive corrective action on late or nonconforming material
Identify supply risk on single-source and long-lead items and put mitigation plans in place
Visit supplier sites as needed to build relationships and resolve issues
Flow down customer, contract, and quality requirements to suppliers on every purchase order
Ensure purchases meet DFARS specialty metals, ITAR, and counterfeit parts prevention requirements
Partner with Quality on first article inspection (AS9102), source inspection, certifications of conformance, and NADCAP-approved special processes
Purchase from the approved supplier list and support new supplier qualification
Manage priority-rated (DPAS) orders in line with requirements
Act on MRP output to place purchase orders, manage releases, and expedite material to support production schedules
Plan long-lead material ahead of demand to protect delivery commitments
Maintain accurate planning data in ERP, including lead times, safety stock, and minimum order quantities
Coordinate daily with production, manufacturing engineering, and quality to align material with the schedule
Track and report cost savings, supplier scorecards, and open order status to leadership
Maintain purchasing documentation to support AS9100, ITAR, and customer audit requirements

Benefits

Competitive salaries linked to performance
Paid time off
9 paid holidays
Comprehensive group insurance plan including HSA/FSA options, Dental & Vision Coverage for Domestic Partnerships
Supportive wellness program, including healthcare discounts
Automatic Life Insurance with supplemental options
Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Opportunities for retirement savings with 401k plans including a company match
Tuition reimbursement for relevant Certifications, Education, & Trainings
Free access to a virtual doctor and the employee assistance program
Social activities for all employees (BBQ, Golf, Christmas parties, etc.)
Generous referral bonuses and advantageous recognition programs