Lead Buyer

Description

The Lead Buyer oversees day-to-day purchasing operations and supports the procurement manager in mentoring and guiding the buying team. This position handles complex purchasing activities, supplier performance issues, escalations, and critical materials sourcing.

• Serve as subject matter expert for procurement processes, ERP transactions, and sourcing best practices.
• Handle escalations related to shortages, supplier delays, and quality issues.
• Support the Manager of Procurement in policy implementation, reporting, and cross-functional coordination.
• Manage purchasing of complex, long-lead, and high-risk materials for military-grade assemblies.
• Provide guidance and training for team members (Senior, Buyer, Junior).
• Review and approve purchase orders based on spend thresholds.
• Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of PO dates, pricing, and confirmations in ERP.
• Support NPI procurement and prototype builds.

• 6–10+ years of purchasing experience in electronics or military manufacturing.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation ability.
• Excellent knowledge of ERP/MRP execution and planning tools.
• Ability to coach others and lead by example.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements for defense products.

• ERP/MRP proficiency (transactional and planning).
• Understanding of BOM structures and engineering drawings.
• Electronics and PCBA component knowledge (ICs, passives, connectors, PCBs).
• Familiarity with DFARS, ITAR, and counterfeit avoidance standards.
• Supplier negotiation and contract fundamentals.

• Strong communication and supplier relationship skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Time management and ability to prioritize.
• Results-focused mindset with attention to detail.
• Collaboration with cross-functional engineering and production teams.