Junior Buyer

Job Description Description:The Junior Buyer supports procurement operations in a regulated, high-volume, low-mix military manufacturing environment. This role applies acquired job skills, company policies, and established procedures to execute semi-routine purchasing activities that ensure material availability, cost awareness, and schedule adherence. The Junior Buyer works independently on routine tasks and receives guidance on new or non-standard assignments, contributing through personal effort to team and organizational goals.Requirements:Purchasing & Supply SupportExecute purchase orders for production and non-production materials in accordance with approved procedures, contracts, and military compliance requirements.Manage semi-routine buying assignments by selecting appropriate solutions from defined procedures using sound judgment and prior experience.Monitor supplier delivery performance and follow up on late, incomplete, or incorrect shipments.Support material planning and production schedules in a high-volume, low-mix environment to minimize shortages or disruptions.Problem Solving & Decision MakingAddress routine purchasing issues that are known, defined, and readily apparent.Perform basic fact-finding to resolve occasional non-routine issues, escalating as appropriate.Ensure actions taken align with established procurement policies, quality standards, and compliance requirements.Cost & Performance AwarenessMaintain awareness of material costs, lead times, and service-level expectations.Support cost control initiatives by ensuring accurate pricing, quantities, and terms on purchase orders.Understand the downstream impact of purchasing decisions on production, inventory, and customer commitments.Communication & CollaborationInteract daily with internal stakeholders (planning, production, quality, engineering, and finance) to exchange basic information and support operational needs.Communicate professionally with suppliers to convey order details, delivery expectations, and routine issue resolution.Demonstrate customer service skills, common courtesy, and tact in all internal and external interactions.Compliance & DocumentationEnsure purchasing activities comply with company policies, military/defense regulations, and quality management system requirements.Maintain accurate records, documentation, and system data to support audits and traceability requirements.Skills & CompetenciesWorking knowledge of procurement and supply chain processesAbility to follow established procedures and instructions with minimal supervisionSound judgment and common-sense decision making within defined guidelinesBasic problem-solving and fact-finding skillsStrong organizational and time-management abilitiesProfessional communication and customer service skillsAttention to detail and documentation accuracyExperience & EducationTypically requires 1–2 years of related purchasing, supply chain, or manufacturing experienceEntry point into skilled procurement rolesMay require formal occupational training or certification related to supply chain, procurement, or manufacturingExperience in a regulated or military/defense manufacturing environment is a plusLevel & Impact (Intermediate S2 Alignment)Applies acquired job skills and company policies to complete assigned tasksWorks on semi-routine assignments with limited impact, typically within the immediate teamFinancial accountability is limited to cost awareness and service-level expectationsNormally follows established procedures on routine work; instructions required primarily for new assignmentsSupports team and organizational goals through personal contribution in own work area