Senior Buyer

Wilcox Industries•Newington, NH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Buyer plays a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted production for a high‑velocity defense manufacturing operation. This position manages complex procurement activities, negotiates with strategic suppliers, and ensures full compliance with U.S. Government regulations while supporting aggressive production schedules. The Senior Buyer thrives in a fast‑paced environment, anticipates risks before they materialize, and builds strong cross‑functional relationships to keep programs on track while ensuring vendor requirements and customer needs are met.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of procurement experience in manufacturing; defense or aerospace strongly preferred.
Proven negotiation skills and experience managing complex supplier relationships.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and bills of materials.
Excellent communication, analytical, and problem‑solving abilities.
Organization and time management skills.
Ability to work with minimum supervision and adaptable to changing priorities.
Regular on-site attendance is a necessary function of this position.

Nice To Haves

Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous‑improvement methodologies.
CPSM, CPIM, or similar supply‑chain certification.
Background in electronics, machining, composites, or other defense‑related manufacturing processes.
Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government‑contracting requirements.

Responsibilities

Leads the procurement of materials, components, and services required for defense‑related manufacturing programs.
Develops, executes, and manages sourcing strategies that support cost, quality, and delivery targets.
Reviews and evaluates purchase requisitions for complete and accurate information, rejects back to or resolves with requestor if necessary.
Manages purchase orders from creation through delivery, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with FAR/DFARS and ITAR requirements.
Issues change orders as necessary.
Negotiates pricing, terms, long‑term agreements, and performance expectations with domestic and international suppliers.
Collaborates closely with master scheduling, engineering, production, quality, and program management to forecast demand and resolve supply‑chain issues.
Manages all outside operations (i.e.: plating, painting) assuring parts are processed to print specifications in a timely manner.
Processes any purchased parts rejected through Material Review Board (MRB) or the requisitioner for immediate replacement /credit as deemed necessary.
Updates, verifies, and maintains Item Master Data regarding lead time, MFG PN#, and Preferred Vendor in SAP.
Creates, updates, and maintains Business Partner Master Data for vendors in SAP.
Reviews invoices with accounts payable where the price or terms don't agree with the purchase order.
Assists Receiving Dept with any / all packing slip discrepancies including part or quantity issues.
Assists the Quality Dept. with the upkeep and additions to the Approved Supplier List.
Assists with creating and renewing Wilcox / Supplier Non-Disclosure Agreements.
Directs Jr. Buyers and Buyers as needed.
Performs other duties and special projects as requested by management.
Reviews safety procedures and follows them, making suggested improvements.
Promotes safety awareness.
Seeks opportunities to minimize workplace injuries, accidents, and health problems.
Uses PPE appropriately.