Senior Buyer

Senior BuyerAs Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) celebrates 50 years of building products that protect our country, protect the individual warfighter, and send rockets into outer space, our growth is creating new opportunities to expand our team with talented individuals who want to shape the next era of mission-critical innovation. CED is well situated in Downers Grove, Illinois - we are located a commuter train ride west of Chicago and a short drive from farmland. CED's current salary range for this exempt role is $84,000 to $108,500 / annual. At CED, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, location and geography. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. CED's benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts, allowing employees to enjoy alternating Fridays off. Job SummaryThe Senior Buyer is responsible for leading strategic purchasing activities that ensure reliable on-time delivery, effective supplier and vendor management, and disciplined cost control. This role plays a key part in driving cost-reduction initiatives, optimizing procurement processes, and supporting continuous improvement across the Supply Chain function. The Senior Buyer collaborates cross-functionally to maintain material availability, strengthen supplier performance, and contribute to the overall operational efficiency of the organization. Essential Job FunctionsProcurement of materials and services to support quality, on time delivery (OTD), and financial metrics Execute RFQ to purchase within program schedule time constraints Supply chain management and commodity management for strategic parts Continuously improve supplier relationships to provide focus on quality, delivery, and cost Measure supplier performance using key performance indicators to align strategic and tactical actions within the supplier base Work collaboratively with other departments and other stakeholders to support company goals and objectives Assist in training and guiding junior buyers Conducts all work to ensure compliance with FAR / DFAR, and maintains proactive awareness of changing requirements Work with members of Supplier Quality to analyze supplier data Aid in selection of new vendors, suppliers, and service providers Establish and lead procurement processes, including developing and delivering training to support new or updated workflows Other Job FunctionsComply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures Ensure 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, BACM, Code of Conduct and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Special projects and other duties / responsibilities as assigned Supervisor ResponsibilityN/A EducationBachelor's degree in business is desired ExperienceA minimum of 7 years of progressive procurement experience in manufacturing environment; prefer experience within a U.S. Government contracting environment. Skills and QualificationsLawful U.S. person (ITAR restrictions) Must be eligible to possess explosive under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for all employees of Chemring Energetic Devices Experience in supplier qualification, bids evaluation, and negotiating prices and terms For large contracts, knowledge of standard procurement processes and methodology for best possible contract. (BATNA). Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes including implementation of procedures and knowledge of MRP systems (D365 experience a plus) Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and confidently across all levels of the organization, as well as with external suppliers and vendors, to influence decisions and drive beneficial outcomes Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to negotiate Physical and Other RequirementsLifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects, weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of weight frequently. Involves sitting much of the time but may involve routine periods of walking or standing. Daily and extensive use of computer. DisclaimerThe preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential job functions of this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Employees will be expected to perform other job functions and duties as may be needed and/or required. Equal Opportunity EmployerChemring Energetic Devices (CED) is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.