Sr. Buyer / Planner
About The Position
ARA is a leading C5ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities. Our disruptive, integrated solutions, assemblies and subsystems rise to the challenging demands of discerning, mission-critical customers. We leverage our capabilities to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers and empower them to remain ahead of evolving threats and complexities in a dynamic security landscape. We are seeking a Sr. Buyer/Planner to lead and execute procurement and material planning activities that support production schedules, program objectives, and operational performance. This role is responsible for the end-to-end management of material supply, including demand planning, MRP execution, supplier management, purchasing, inventory optimization, and risk mitigation.
Requirements
- 5–7+ progressive experience in procurement, purchasing, material planning, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment; aerospace, defense, or DoD experience preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing both procurement and material planning functions.
- Experience with ERP systems (Costpoint preferred) and fixed pricing agreements.
- Knowledge of electromechanical and electronic components, technical drawings, Bills of Material (BOMs), and engineering documentation.
- Technical knowledge of products, military specifications, and federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFAR).
- Experience with supplier performance management, strategic sourcing, and contract negotiation.
- Strong understanding of inventory control, demand planning, and supply chain risk mitigation.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects influence cross-functional teams and mentor junior staff.
- In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Nice To Haves
- aerospace, defense, or DoD experience preferred.
- Certification in procurement or supply chain (CPSM, CPIM) preferred
Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end material planning and procurement for assigned programs and production requirements.
- Create, issue, and manage purchase orders to ensure material availability and schedule adherence.
- Review MRP outputs and resolve material shortages, reschedules, and supply exceptions.
- Develop and maintain supplier relationships while driving improvements in cost, quality, and delivery performance.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial agreements to achieve cost and supply objectives.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through proactive planning and supplier management.
- Expedite critical materials and resolve supplier-related issues impacting production.
- Partner with engineering, manufacturing, program management, logistics, and finance to support business objectives.
- Support sourcing decisions through supplier evaluation, market analysis, and technical collaboration.
- Manage inventory levels to balance material availability and inventory investment.
- Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Coordinate logistics activities, including shipment tracking and freight management.
- Maintain accurate procurement and planning data within ERP/MRP systems.
- Track key performance metrics and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, ITAR, FAR/DFAR, and applicable regulations.
- Mentor and provide guidance to junior procurement and planning personnel.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
