Senior Buyer

Location: Hudson, NH

Contract Duration: 6 Months (Potential for Extension or Direct Hire)

Compensation: $42–$45/hour + PTO + Optional Benefits

Schedule: Onsite | 9/80 Schedule | 8:00 AM Start Time

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to support procurement activities within a complex aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for sourcing and purchasing materials, components, equipment, and services while ensuring compliance with customer requirements, government regulations, and internal procurement policies.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in aerospace and defense procurement, exceptional supplier management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple functions to ensure program success and on-time delivery. This individual will serve as a key liaison between suppliers, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Program Management teams while managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Strategic Sourcing

• Procure materials, components, equipment, and services required to support manufacturing and program objectives.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align with quality, cost, delivery, and compliance goals.
• Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, pricing, capacity, quality performance, and delivery metrics.
• Conduct cost and price analyses to ensure fair and reasonable pricing.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers and vendors.
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships that support long-term business objectives.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance related to quality, cost, and delivery commitments.
• Coordinate follow-up activities to ensure timely responses, order fulfillment, and issue resolution.
• Escalate and resolve supplier-related issues impacting production schedules or program milestones.
• Participate in supplier reviews, performance evaluations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Contract Administration & Compliance

• Negotiate pricing, lead times, terms, and conditions with suppliers.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable government regulations, customer requirements, and company policies.
• Support compliance with FAR, DFARS, CPSR, and other procurement requirements.
• Maintain procurement documentation and records in accordance with regulatory and company standards.
• Monitor supplier compliance with contractual obligations and performance expectations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Finance teams.
• Communicate procurement status, risks, opportunities, and supply chain challenges to stakeholders.
• Support program schedules by proactively identifying material shortages and developing mitigation plans.
• Participate in planning meetings and supplier-related program reviews.

Market Intelligence & Supply Chain Analysis

• Conduct market research to identify qualified suppliers, emerging technologies, and sourcing opportunities.
• Monitor supply chain trends, material availability, and market conditions that may impact business operations.
• Recommend alternative sourcing solutions when appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience.
• Previous purchasing experience within the aerospace and defense industry.
• Demonstrated success managing supplier relationships and vendor performance.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, sourcing strategies, and purchasing best practices.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, military, or government contract programs.
• Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) requirements.
• Experience working within ERP/MRP environments.
• Experience utilizing Oracle ERP systems.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CPCM, or similar credentials.
• Experience supporting highly regulated manufacturing environments.

What Will Make You Successful

• Strong aerospace and defense procurement expertise.
• Ability to build effective supplier relationships while holding vendors accountable to commitments.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and follow-up skills.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving supply chain challenges.
• Strong understanding of procurement compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and execution.

Security Requirements

Must be authorized to work in the United States and satisfy all applicable customer, program, and security requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

EOE (including Disability/Veterans)

#HRUProfessional