Senior Buyer-Defense Programs

Leonardo DRS, Inc.•Germantown, MD

3d•$83,552 - $108,618

About The Position

DRS RADA Technologies is hiring three Senior Buyers for its Procurement team in Germantown, Maryland. The roles support production and tactical purchasing, hardware procurement, and strategic sourcing and fabrication. Senior Buyers support company operations and mission by managing supplier relationships and procurement activities for commodities and major subcontract items. The role generates and executes CPSR-compliant purchase orders based on approved requisitions and related procurement documents; coordinates with internal teams to align supplier commitments with demand, technical requirements, and build schedules; monitors supplier performance, risk, open orders, long-lead items, and capacity; and develops corrective actions or escalates issues that could affect production or program commitments. The Senior Buyer reviews customer and prime-contract requirements, including FAR/DFARS clauses and supplier flow-downs, and manages purchase-order modifications with required approvals and documentation. The position also manages supplier issues and changes, leads negotiations, applies commercial contract law and procurement practices to secure favorable terms and minimize risk, tracks cost savings or avoidances, maintains procurement records, communicates supplier performance, and serves as the primary contact between DRS personnel and assigned suppliers. U.S. citizenship is required. The position may require an active Department of Defense security clearance or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable time after employment begins.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
Five years of experience in purchasing.
Ability to understand military specifications and read blueprints.
Ability to understand and adhere to laws pertaining to procurement and contracts, including breach of contract.
Knowledge and use of price and cost analysis.
Strong negotiating skills.
U.S. citizenship.
May require an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Responsibilities

Generate and execute CPSR-compliant purchase orders based on approved requisitions, requests for proposals, bids, and other necessary procurement documents.
Partner with Planning, Program Management, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to align supplier commitments with changing demand, technical requirements, and build schedules.
Assess supplier performance and risk using delivery, quality, responsiveness, capacity, and other relevant indicators; implement corrective or alternate-sourcing actions when needed.
Monitor open orders, long-lead items, and supplier capacity; develop recovery actions and escalate shortages that threaten production or program commitments.
Review purchase orders for customer and prime-contract requirements, including FAR/DFARS clauses and supplier flow-downs, and coordinate questions with Contracts and other responsible functions.
Manage purchase-order modifications involving price, quantity, scope, and delivery schedule, ensuring approvals and documentation are completed before release.
Facilitate and manage supplier issues involving cost, quality, delivery, and customer service.
Manage supplier matters, including accounts-payable holds.
Initiate and follow through on supplier changes, including Engineering Change Notices.
Lead negotiations and apply commercial contract law, guidelines, practices, and requirements to assess, plan, and negotiate favorable terms and conditions while minimizing risk.
Establish and maintain professional supplier relationships and resolve issues involving pricing, quality, timing, claims, and contract disputes.
Understand and provide information about demand and spend profiles for commodity areas as needed.
Track and report cost savings or avoidances.
Maintain accurate records and files of vendor agreements and related procurement records.
Communicate supplier performance, including conducting supplier visits as required.
Serve as the primary contact between DRS personnel and assigned suppliers.
Support, communicate, and defend the company's mission, values, and culture.

Benefits

Annual performance-based bonuses may be available.
Equity awards may be available.
Overtime pay for non-exempt employees, as applicable.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Employer-matching 401(k) retirement plan and company contribution to a health savings account.
Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Parental leave benefits and paid parental leave.
Tuition reimbursement.
Professional development support and programs for career growth and skill enhancement.
Life and disability insurance coverage.
Telemedicine.
Legal insurance.
Wellness programs focused on physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
Flexible work schedules through the 9/80 program.
Community service hours.
Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only.