Buyer (Aerospace)

Buyer – Aerospace (Build-to-Print)Location - Kalamazoo, MIDescriptionJoin a leading aerospace organization and play a critical role in managing complex procurement activities within a source-controlled environment. We are seeking an experienced Buyer with strong aerospace purchasing expertise and hands-on experience supporting build-to-print components including rotors, stators, motors, valves, heat exchangers, and related assemblies. This position is ideal for a procurement professional with a strong supplier management background and a proven ability to negotiate, improve performance, and support operational excellence.Position SummaryThe Buyer is responsible for obtaining the highest quality products and services while maximizing cost efficiency, supplier performance, and delivery outcomes. This role will lead procurement efforts for complex, technical, and high-value aerospace components and directly manage source-controlled suppliers supporting critical product categories including valves, generators, heat exchangers, motors, rotors, and stators.The ideal candidate has extensive experience working in aerospace manufacturing environments, understands build-to-print procurement processes, and can successfully manage supplier relationships while ensuring quality, delivery, and compliance objectives are met.Key ResponsibilitiesManage source-controlled suppliers to achieve optimal pricing, delivery schedules, and supplier performance outcomes.Support procurement activities for aerospace build-to-print components including rotors, stators, motors, valves, heat exchangers, and similar assemblies.Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers through research, sourcing initiatives, RFQs, and capability assessments.Develop bidder lists and prepare statements of work for procurement initiatives.Conduct supplier site visits and assess manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, performance, and operational readiness.Evaluate supplier proposals and negotiate pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, quality standards, and contract terms.Issue and manage purchase orders and supplier agreements ensuring negotiated terms are accurately reflected.Maintain accurate lead times and procurement schedules within purchasing systems and ERP/MRP environments.Monitor supplier performance and proactively resolve delivery, quality, or contractual concerns that may impact production.Lead corrective action efforts and supplier improvement initiatives to address risk and strengthen supplier performance.Resolve shipment discrepancies, engineering changes, material returns, over-shipments, damage claims, and supplier-related issues.Ensure supplier compliance with company, government, aerospace, and commercial procurement requirements.Develop alternate sourcing strategies and identify opportunities to reduce risk and improve supply continuity.Prepare reports and perform data analysis to support procurement strategy and decision-making.Drive continuous improvement initiatives internally and with key suppliers to improve cost, efficiency, and performance.Participate in cross-functional initiatives and provide support on strategic projects as needed.Mentor and support junior team members when required.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.6+ years of progressively responsible purchasing or procurement experience.Experience managing source-controlled suppliers in an aerospace manufacturing environment.Strong experience supporting build-to-print aerospace components is required.Experience sourcing and purchasing components such as rotors, stators, motors, valves, heat exchangers, generators, or similar products strongly preferred.Strong negotiation and supplier management experience.Knowledge of procurement regulations, purchasing practices, and aerospace industry standards.Experience with ERP/MRP systems, purchasing platforms, and EDI tools.Ability to analyze complex sourcing situations and develop practical solutions.Strong communication, organizational, and relationship management skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Preferred QualificationsCPM, APICS, or other purchasing/supply chain certification preferred.Experience supporting international suppliers and import/export procurement activities.Background in supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.