Buyer Indirect Materials

General Overview

Functional Area:  Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Career Stream:  Purchasing (SCM_PUR)
Role:  Support 7
Job Title:  Buyer Indirect Materials
Job Code:  SU7-SCM-BUY
Job Level:  Level 07
Direct/Indirect Indicator:  Indirect

Summary

Supports aerospace manufacturing operations by procuring non-production goods and services, including MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations), facility supplies, and professional services while maintaining strict compliance with aerospace quality standards and cost-reduction initiatives.

This is a critical onsite role responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of indirect materials for an ITAR-regulated aerospace facility. The Buyer ensures 100% material availability by monitoring inventory on-hand and managing reorder points (Min/Max levels) for a wide range of MRO supplies, from specialized aerospace hardware to off-the-shelf consumables. The primary goal is to prevent stock-outs through accurate tracking and proactive supplier follow-up within SAP

Detailed Description

• Inventory Control: Monitor onsite inventory levels for MRO categories including chemicals, coatings, adhesives, wires, paints, insulations, tubing, seals, gaskets, O-rings, screws, nuts, dust caps and other specific hardware used.
• Conduct sourcing activities and manage RFQ/RFP processes for indirect categories such as shop floor tooling, safety equipment, and utilities.
• Perform price analysis and documentation in accordance with FAR/DFARS and AS9100 regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance, focusing on on-time delivery and quality, while maintaining accurate vendor master data in SAP.
• Address and resolve invoice discrepancies and shipping issues to ensure seamless financial reconciliation.
• PO Management: Place accurate and timely purchase orders in SAP for both "made-to-print" components and off-the-shelf hardware (washers, screws, etc.).
• Tracking & Accuracy: Map out and track the end-to-end delivery cycle; monitor open POs to ensure delivery dates align with production needs and proactively resolve delays to avoid stock-outs.
• Technical Sourcing: Pull and interpret engineering drawings to obtain samples and secure new quotes for specialized hardware as needed.
• Supplier Relations: Maintain and manage established supplier relationships, ensuring high performance and accountability; travel may be required only for local suppliers (e.g., Tempe/Phoenix area).
• Tool Crib Integration: Leverage experience with tool crib operations to manage hardware issuance, inventory audits, and replenishment

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level SAP and Microsoft Excel skills for data tracking, inventory mapping, and PO processing.
• Technical Literacy: Ability to read and interpret technical drawings/blueprints for aerospace hardware and custom parts.
• Inventory Strategy: Demonstrated ability to manage and adjust Min/Max stocking levels based on usage and lead times.
• SAP Proficiency: Mandatory hands-on experience with SAP MM or P2P modules for order management.
• Aerospace Knowledge: Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, and aerospace quality management systems.
• Negotiation: Ability to negotiate pricing, lead times, and contract terms with indirect service providers.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to act as a liaison between technical teams and external suppliers.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data extraction from SAP and spend reporting.
• Preferred Certifications: Professional certification from APICS (e.g., CPIM, CSCP) or ISM (e.g., CPSM) is highly desirable and may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Physical Demands

• Primarily office-based environment with regular presence required on the manufacturing shop floor.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Must comply with all safety requirements, including wearing PPE (safety glasses, steel-toe shoes) in designated areas.

Typical Experience

• With a Bachelor’s degree: 2–4 years of procurement or supply chain experience.
• With a High School Diploma: 6+ years of direct experience in aerospace procurement or SAP-centric buying roles.

Typical Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field is preferred but may be substituted with additional years of relevant industry experience.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.