Looking for an opportunity to be part of a growing organization with a family atmosphere? Kaman Aerospace – Composites is a leading aerospace manufacturer and is looking for a Buyer to join the team. We specialize in the Defense and Commercial Aerospace markets for composite manufacturing, design engineering and MRO composite repair and have received industry recognition for quality and service. This is an in-office position, located in Wichita, KS.

Job Summary

The person in this role is responsible for source selection and procurement functions directly associated with Kaman Composites - Wichita (KCW) needs for raw materials, fixed assets and tooling, production materials and services. This includes various aspects of the products and services life cycle, such as proper product identification, sourcing, order placement, ensuring cost effectiveness, best quality and on-time delivery within competitive levels consistent with company policy and performance standards.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

This position may involve knowledge of confidential information. Such information will be handled with the utmost discretion.

• Works with a high quality, reliable and cost-efficient supplier base while maintaining flexibility to meet the ever-changing requirements of the company.
• Maintains and improves vendor relations for the purchase of all materials, supplies, equipment and services used, ensuring we are getting the best quality product or service at the best competitive cost possible.
• Negotiate short- or long-term pricing agreements.
• Reviews competitive bid information and authorizes the placement of orders with suppliers for a broad scope of materials and services.
• Maintains awareness of military and blueprint specifications and manufacturing processes.
• Maintains high ethical and confidentiality standards in all dealings.
• Evaluates proposals, negotiates prices and/or subcontract provisions, selects suppliers, analyzes trends and establishes price objectives – as required to support production.
• Manages inventory levels, purchase orders and supplier performance to ensure deliveries are met and negotiates new deliveries, expediting deliveries when necessary.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Understand TATS material and Manufacturing Processes necessary in relation to composite components.
• Experience with EPICOR/SAP and Microsoft programs.
• Ability to manage projects, gather and analyze date, work in a team environment and meet deadlines.
• Ability to source new suppliers and negotiate pricing or possible price increases.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned by the supervisor or manager, in addition to the essential functions listed above.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business Administration, or business-related field, preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in purchasing/buyer position, required – preferably in Aerospace, but other manufacturing experience will be considered.
• Strong command of computer skills is required:
• Purchasing/MRP systems (EPICOR/SAP, preferred)

Work Authorization

Must qualify as a U.S. Person as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) in order to access export-controlled technology.

Required Safety Training

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Attend required safety and environmental training, as determined by the EH&S office.

General: Maintain personal productivity and quality standards as determined by supervision. Follow standard departmental/company practices and procedures as outlined by management. Maintain area in a clean and orderly condition.

Note: This job description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of the fundamental job duties. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.

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