Senior Buyer – Aerospace & Defense

Location: Columbus, MS 39701, USA
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Overview:
The Bull Integrations Group is seeking a Senior Buyer to join a leading aerospace and defense manufacturing partner in Columbus, Mississippi. This high-impact role is responsible for managing strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier performance, and procurement operations to support mission-critical programs. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience navigating aerospace and defense compliance standards, vendor negotiations, and cost optimization strategies in a fast-paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development

• Identify, qualify, and manage suppliers to ensure adherence to company quality, delivery, and performance standards.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align with cost, schedule, and risk management objectives.
• Negotiate complex contracts and supplier agreements to achieve favorable pricing and long-term value.
• Build and maintain trusted supplier relationships that support program agility and innovation.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives across materials, components, subassemblies, and design-to-spec procurements.

Procurement & Materials Management

• Manage the full procurement lifecycle from RFQs and PO creation through to delivery, inspection, and payment.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production to ensure materials meet design intent and schedule requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and take corrective action to resolve non-conformance or delivery delays.
• Optimize inventory and procurement planning to minimize excess or obsolete stock.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all procurement activities fully comply with ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and other regulatory standards.
• Maintain thorough and auditable documentation for all purchases, vendor evaluations, and contract negotiations.
• Oversee import/export and logistics compliance to ensure the secure and timely movement of goods.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Mentor and develop junior buyers and procurement specialists, reinforcing best practices in supplier management.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities to streamline sourcing operations.
• Stay current on market trends, supplier capabilities, and emerging technologies that impact the defense supply chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of direct procurement experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong working knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, and FAR.
• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, cost reduction, and supplier performance improvement.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, or similar systems.
• APICS, ISM, CPSM, or CPIM certification preferred.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to thrive in cross-functional, fast-paced environments.

About The Bull Integrations Group

At The Bull Integrations Group (BIG), we specialize in tactical headhunting and strategic talent acquisition across the C5ISR ecosystem—supporting Defense Electronics Manufacturing, DoD, and Intelligence Community clients with elite-level cleared talent.

🔗 www.bullintegrationsgroup.com
📧 roland@bullintegrationsgroup.com | 📞 443-681-9460