Senior Buyer

Leonardo DRS, Inc.•Fitchburg, MA

10d•$79,919 - $114,285

About The Position

The Senior Buyer will manage procurement activities and supplier relationships to support business needs while ensuring compliance with CPSR requirements and company policies. The role negotiates favorable terms, drives cost savings, and collaborates with suppliers and internal teams to resolve issues, minimize risk, and ensure timely delivery of quality products and services. The position supports the Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems business, a provider of naval gas and hybrid power systems, control technology, and support solutions for the U.S. Navy and navies around the world.

Requirements

5–7 years of progressive procurement experience, including hands-on purchasing in support of U.S. government contracts.
Working knowledge of FAR and DFARS and experience applying applicable contract requirements and supplier flowdowns to purchase orders.
Direct experience issuing and managing purchase orders for defense or government-funded programs, including compliant procurement file documentation.
Experience purchasing custom-manufactured components and engineered assemblies in aerospace, defense, or industrial manufacturing.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, bills of material, and revisions.
Working understanding of machining, welding, fabrication, and mechanical or electromechanical assembly processes.
Experience conducting negotiations, price analysis, sole-source justifications, and fair-and-reasonable price determinations.
Experience managing supplier delivery, production constraints, nonconforming material, quality issues, and recovery actions.
Ability to independently manage complex procurements and competing production priorities.
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, shipbuilding, propulsion, or aerospace programs.
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
Familiarity with DCMA oversight and Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) expectations.
Knowledge of DPAS, DFARS specialty metals and domestic sourcing requirements, ITAR/EAR, CUI, and CMMC as relevant to procurement.
Familiarity with AS9100 and AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements.
Experience purchasing precision-machined parts, welded fabrications, specialty metals, motors, electrical components, and complex assemblies.
Experience with Deltek Costpoint or comparable ERP systems.
Experience managing critical-path suppliers, shortages, supplier corrective actions, and schedule recovery.
U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

Generate and execute CPSR-compliant purchase orders based on approved requisitions, requests for proposals, bids, and other necessary purchasing documents.
Facilitate and manage supplier issues involving cost, quality, delivery, and customer service.
Manage all aspects of suppliers, including accounts payable holds.
Initiate and follow through on supplier changes, including Engineering Change Notices.
Lead negotiations and apply commercial contract law knowledge and applicable guidelines, practices, and requirements to negotiate favorable terms and conditions while minimizing risk.
Establish and maintain professional supplier relationships and resolve issues related to pricing, quality, timing, claims, and contract disputes.
Understand demand and spending profiles for commodity areas and provide this information as needed.
Track and report cost savings or cost avoidances.
Maintain accurate, current records and files of vendor agreements and related procurement records.
Communicate supplier performance, including through supplier visits as required.
Serve as the primary contact between DRS personnel and assigned suppliers.
Support, communicate, and uphold the company's mission, values, and culture.