Senior Buyer  (1st Shift)

Supply Chain | Aerospace Manufacturing
Location: Southwick, MA
Compensation: $96,300 – $110,000 (Salary)

A well-established aerospace manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer – Indirect to support supply chain operations on 1st shift. This is a hands-on role responsible for sourcing, supplier management, cost control, and process improvement within a regulated manufacturing environment. The position also includes leadership responsibilities and project oversight.

Role Overview

The Senior Buyer will manage indirect procurement activities while partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Production teams. This individual will lead supplier negotiations, ensure material availability, mitigate supply risk, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The role balances individual contribution with team leadership and mentoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage indirect purchasing activities to support manufacturing operations

• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to achieve optimal cost, quality, and delivery

• Create and manage purchase orders; monitor status to ensure on-time delivery

• Analyze vendor performance and implement cost-saving and risk-reduction strategies

• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier documentation within ERP systems

• Resolve supplier quality, delivery, and rejection issues

• Support weekly production planning meetings with material status updates

• Coordinate logistics and transportation activities as needed

• Partner cross-functionally on new products, process changes, and supplier selection

• Lead projects and contribute to supply chain process improvements

• Train, mentor, and support buyers; assist with onboarding new team members

• Track KPIs, identify bottlenecks, and support workflow optimization

• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

• Prior experience in aerospace manufacturing

• Strong background in indirect or raw material purchasing

• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain operations

• Proven negotiation and supplier relationship management skills

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

• ERP system experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

Work Environment

• Manufacturing setting with regular interaction on the production floor

• Exposure to noise, machinery, and industrial conditions; PPE required when applicable

• Occasional travel between local facilities