Lead Buyer

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 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.

Technical Skills

• 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.

Soft Skills

• 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.