Senior Buyer

SilencerCo•Kearns, UT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Buyer is responsible for strategic procurement of materials, components, and outside services essential to firearms accessory production. This role ensures material availability that aligns with production schedules, manages supplier performance, and drives cost efficiency across the supply chain. Working closely with Production Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Compliance teams, the Senior Buyer ensures sourced materials meet technical specifications, regulatory standards, and operational requirements unique to the firearms industry. This position requires strong supply chain competency, a high sense of urgency, and the ability to partner with both domestic and international suppliers in a fast-moving production environment.

Requirements

3 - 5 years progressive purchasing or supply chain experience.
Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems, purchasing flows, and inventory control principles.
Proven negotiation, analytical, and vendor management skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Strong communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functionally.

Nice To Haves

5+ years experience in a manufacturing environment (precision machining or firearms industry strongly preferred).
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience with purchasing systems such as Odoo, Frepple, SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
Knowledge in: Strategic sourcing & procurement Cost analysis & budgeting Production planning & scheduling Data-driven decision making Supplier performance management
Certifications (CPM, CPIM, CSCP, or similar) preferred.
Understanding of firearms accessory components, machined parts, coatings, and production processes is a plus.
Familiarity with ITAR/EAR export compliance is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Source and purchase raw materials, machined components, outsourced processes, and vendor-supplied assemblies.
Manage supplier relationships to ensure continuity, quality, and compliance.
Negotiate pricing, lead times, contracts, and payment terms to support margin targets.
Evaluate and score supplier performance (quality, delivery, responsiveness, cost).
Identify, audit, and qualify new suppliers to mitigate risk and support cost-down initiatives.
Work with Compliance teams when required regarding export regulations (ITAR/EAR) and controlled parts.
Maintain optimal inventory levels in support of production while minimizing excess and carrying costs.
Monitor MRP signals and adjust purchase orders based on demand changes and forecast variability.
Collaborate with Warehouse and Production on shortages, reschedules, backorders, and rework.
Analyze inventory turnover and recommend adjustments to min/max levels, reorder points, and safety stock.
Lead slow-moving and obsolete inventory reduction projects.
Align material planning with Production Scheduling to ensure on-time builds.
Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) ensuring phase-in/phase-out material control.
Work with Engineering and Quality on nonconformance, corrective actions (SCARs), and supplier-driven root cause analysis.
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) sourcing and early supplier engagement.
Execute cost reduction initiatives through supplier consolidation, VA/VE analysis, improved terms, and alternative sourcing.
Track and report KPIs related to cost savings, on-time delivery, purchasing accuracy, and inventory health.
Contribute to continuous improvement of purchasing workflows, systems, and policies.
Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the wider Supply Chain organization.