Senior Buyer

Ralliant • Chandler, AZ

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Buyer supports production continuity in an aerospace and defense manufacturing environment by executing direct-material purchasing requirements. The role converts material demand into accurate purchase orders, monitors supplier commitments, expedites critical materials, resolves shortages and delivery issues, and supports supplier performance and purchasing compliance. It works closely with planning, manufacturing, engineering, quality, and strategic sourcing to keep materials available and production moving. The position primarily focuses on purchasing execution rather than independent strategic sourcing or ownership of complex commercial negotiations.

The role is based in Chandler, Arizona. Full-time on-site attendance is required during the first 90 days for onboarding and cross-training. After onboarding, a hybrid schedule may be available, with three days on-site (including Monday and Friday) and two days remote, subject to operational needs and management approval. Additional on-site attendance, including month-end coverage, may be required. Employees must live within commuting distance and be available to report on-site when business needs require. Hours are flexible around core coverage from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., subject to team and operational requirements. Travel is expected to be less than 10%, primarily to company facilities or supplier locations.

Requirements

• At least three years of purchasing experience supporting manufacturing or production, including direct-material procurement and purchase-order execution.
• At least three years of experience working in an ERP/MRP purchasing environment; no particular platform is required.
• Working knowledge of purchase-order terms, payment terms, delivery schedules, supplier follow-up, and purchasing documentation.
• Experience managing supplier delivery issues, material shortages, and competing production priorities.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and engineering drawings for purchasing purposes and communicate supplier quality requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel, including creating and using pivot tables and analyzing purchasing data.
• Ability to work independently, communicate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or five or more years of closely related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Must be a U.S. citizen due to U.S. Government contract requirements.
• Must reside within commuting distance of Chandler, Arizona and be available to report on-site when business needs require.

Nice To Haves

• Aerospace and defense manufacturing purchasing experience, including familiarity with government procurement compliance, FAR/DFARS, cost or price justification, and supplier flow-down requirements.
• Experience buying technically complex commodities in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with supplier onboarding, supplier scorecards, supplier corrective actions (SCARs), and supplier risk mitigation.
• Oracle ERP experience or participation in an ERP implementation or transition.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement programs and an interest in actively driving improvements.
• APICS, CPSM, CPM, or comparable supply chain/procurement certification.
• Experience independently organizing and facilitating supplier business reviews.

Responsibilities

• Execute purchase orders and blanket purchase orders against approved requirements, maintaining accurate order data, pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and terms and conditions.
• Interpret ERP/MRP demand signals, track supplier acknowledgments, manage exceptions, and proactively expedite or reschedule materials to prevent production disruptions.
• Resolve shortages, supplier pushouts, discrepancies, and material availability concerns through timely cross-functional coordination and data-driven problem-solving.
• Purchase direct materials to engineering specifications and drawings and communicate quality codes, technical requirements, and customer flow-down requirements to suppliers.
• Maintain complete and accurate procurement documentation in accordance with purchasing policies and applicable government-contract requirements.
• Monitor supplier scorecards, on-time delivery, risks, and corrective actions; coordinate recovery plans and follow up on commitments.
• Support supplier onboarding, qualification, transitions, and basic capability assessments with appropriate stakeholders.
• Plan and facilitate supplier meetings and business reviews, including agendas, participants, action logs, and follow-up.
• Facilitate discussions about pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and commercial terms, escalating complex negotiations and approval decisions to management or strategic sourcing.
• Identify potential supplier and material lifecycle risks, including obsolescence, and recommend practical mitigation actions.
• Analyze purchasing and supplier data using Excel and ERP/MRP reporting to identify root causes, evaluate alternatives, and support fact-based decisions.
• Coordinate with planning, production, engineering, quality, and other teams to resolve changing priorities and meet customer requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement and standard-work activities using Lean, Six Sigma, or Ralliant Business Systems principles as applicable.
• Support cross-training and onboarding of other buyers as experience develops.
• Manage assigned commodities and adapt to changing commodity assignments and business priorities.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Retirement savings
• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Tuition reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Company performance-based incentive opportunities
• Opportunities for growth, cross-functional collaboration, continuous improvement, and career development

What This Job Offers

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