Principle Buyer - Judge Consulting Group : Job Details

NO C2C

This organization is focused on the design, development, and manufacture of specialty fluid and motion control products for demanding aerospace and defense applications. Its products are flying on most commercial and military aircraft, including single and twin aisle air transport, business and regional jets, military transports and fighters, and commercial and military rotorcraft. Other markets include unmanned aircraft, shipboard applications, and military ground vehicles.

Position Summary

The Principal Buyer will be responsible for the successful initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closure for the sourcing and procurement of multiple New Product Introduction (NPI) projects into production. The candidate must have significant experience with NPI through a combination of leadership and skills, including the ability to influence and coordinate activities related to various disciplines.

The Principal Buyer will ensure effective NPI launch for procurement, including supplier sourcing, scheduling, cost, resource deployment, risk assessment/containment, and implementation of change management.

Key focus areas include supplier sourcing/selection, early supplier engagement, price negotiations and long-term agreements (LTAs), managing lead time expectations, implementation of new technologies, manufacturing readiness, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM).

Principal Activities and Responsibilities

• Manage and lead procurement of multiple programs.
• Lead supplier sourcing/selection, early supplier engagement, price negotiations and LTAs, and lead time expectations.
• Placement and management of purchase orders.
• Responsible for integrated procurement schedules throughout the project life cycle, change management, implementation of corrective actions, and supporting manufacturing readiness.
• Contribute to establishing the cost basis, evaluating resource requirements, and performing procurement risk analysis.
• Engage suppliers early in the NPD cycle to facilitate design for manufacturing (DFM).
• Participate in regular team project status reviews for individual projects. Refocus teams as necessary to ensure procurement requirements are met.
• Participate in project gate reviews in line with project timing and internal NPI process requirements with a focus on procurement deliverables.
• Organize and lead procurement efforts by defining and identifying required expertise; oversee and approve task planning including resource requirements and effort estimates.
• Ensure all procurement deliverables are met for manufacturing readiness, including tooling, capital equipment, supplier selection, outside processing statements of work (SOWs), and materials.
• Implement corrective actions covering all areas of procurement responsibility. Address critical supplier issues and lead the team to develop action plans to improve supplier performance and minimize impact to schedules.
• Ensure procurement actions are documented, communicated, and closed by the assignee in the required timeframe. Provide weekly written status to leadership.
• Engage in material review board meetings to discuss disposition and recovery of non-conforming material.
• Resolve outstanding invoice issues.

Candidate Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience: Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the job typically acquired through ten or more years of related work experience, including five or more years leading procurement activities for multiple projects/programs of varying complexity and scope. Prior experience working with cross-functional teams is essential.

Core Competencies

• Proficiency in supplier sourcing/selection, early supplier engagement, price negotiations and LTAs, managing lead time expectations, implementation of new technologies, manufacturing readiness, and DFM.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional environment. Strong results/goal orientation. Agility and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.
• Problem-solving skills; develops alternative solutions; works well in a team atmosphere.
• Practical knowledge of aerospace, defense, and commercial procurement requirements and production processes.
• Proficient in business applications software (MS Office) and project management tools (MS Project).
• Strong communication skills across all mediums and audiences.
• High ethical standards; models and supports organizational goals and values.
• Understanding of requirements management, including change configuration management, traceability, validation and verification, and scope management.
• Displays creativity and resourcefulness; focused on continuous process improvement.

Education

• Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in Engineering, Sciences, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years prior NPI procurement experience, including supplier sourcing, price and lead time negotiations.

Other

• US Citizenship required