Senior Buyer

• Job Title: Senior Buyer
• Department: Operations- Production Support
• Reports To: Director of Supply Chain
• FLSA Status: Full Time; Exempt
• Prepared By: Human Resources
• Approved By: Farah Marinero, CHRO
• Prepared Date: October 2026

Purpose/Summary

The Senior Buyer is a strategic procurement professional responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring printed circuit boards (PCBs), PCB assemblies (PCBAs), and related high-reliability RF electronic components, materials, and services to support Mission Microwave’s production schedules and customer programs, and supports other commodities as business needs require. This role manages complex commodities, leads supplier performance initiatives, partners with Engineering on technical procurement requirements, and mentors junior buyers to strengthen overall supply-chain capability.

The Senior Buyer ensures competitive cost, supply continuity, and compliance with AS9100/ISO quality standards while supporting operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and negotiation activities for PCBs, PCBAs, and related components, and for other complex or high-value commodities, long-lead materials, and key suppliers as needed.
• Evaluate supplier capability, quality, and capacity to ensure alignment with production and program requirements.
• Identify, qualify, and develop alternate suppliers in collaboration with Engineering to reduce risk and improve cost structure.
• Drive supplier performance through routine metrics review, corrective action follow-up, and continuous improvement activities.
• Procure materials, components, and services to meet production, NPI, and customer requirements, ensuring best overall value.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, PCB fabrication and assembly data, and technical specifications to ensure procurement accuracy.
• Issue POs, manage changes, expedite deliveries, and resolve material shortages, discrepancies, or supplier-caused delays.
• Support Engineering, Production, Planning, Quality, and Inside Sales on issues impacting cost, delivery, manufacturability, or compliance.
• Maintain complete and accurate procurement documentation (RFQs, proposals, PO packages, supplier files, COIs, MDRs, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with ISO9001/AS9100 requirements, customer contracts, and internal procurement policies.
• Provide accurate supplier delivery status and material risk updates to Operations and leadership.
• Support audits, supplier assessments, and corrective actions.
• Coach and develop Buyer I and Buyer II team members by sharing best practices and supporting escalation resolution.
• Lead or co-lead supply-chain initiatives to improve supplier performance, reduce cost, and enhance process efficiency.

Scope Expansion

• Authorized to negotiate pricing, lead times, terms, and delivery commitments within established thresholds.
• Recommends supplier selection, sourcing strategy, and long-term agreements for leadership approval.
• Independently resolves supplier performance issues and material-related escalations.

Key Performance Indicators

• Supplier on-time delivery (OTD)
• Cost reduction and cost-avoidance performance.
• Lead-time improvement and supply continuity.
• Accuracy of PO, pricing, and documentation.
• Reduction in supplier-caused NCRs, RMAs, and disruptions.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of procurement experience in aerospace, RF electronics, or a similar manufacturing environment, with direct experience sourcing PCBs, PCBAs, and electronic components.
• Strong proficiency in reading engineering drawings, BOMs, ECOs, and technical specifications, including PCB fabrication and assembly documentation.
• Deep knowledge of AS9100/ISO procurement controls and documentation requirements.
• Strong negotiation skills, supplier management capability, and cost-analysis competency.
• Demonstrated ability to lead others, mentor junior buyers, and manage complex supplier relationships.
• Self-driven, highly organized, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS/ASCM certification such as CPIM or CSCP.
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of export documentation (ITAR/EAR), material traceability, and counterfeit parts prevention (AS5553).
• Familiarity with PCB/PCBA fabrication and assembly processes and standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC-6012) and RF laminate materials.

Education, Experience and/or Certifications

High school diploma required; technical or college degree preferred. Purchasing certification (APICS, ISM, CPSM, or equivalent) preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Language and/or Communication Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents, professional journals, and regulations.
• Ability to write routine reports, correspondence, procedures, and inventory documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to present information clearly and respond to questions across the organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to apply arithmetic and algebraic concepts, including rate, ratio, percentages, and basic statistics.

Ability to interpret graphs, charts, forecasts, and probability-based metrics.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to apply logic, common sense, and data analysis to solve complex material and planning problems.
• Ability to define issues, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to support production continuity.
• Ability to interpret diagrams, formulas, BOM structures, and engineering changes.

Computer Skills

Proficient in MRP/ERP systems (MAS90/Sage, SAP, or equivalent).

Physical Demands, Working and Environmental Conditions

• Regularly required to use hands, reach, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to sit; occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Noise level is typically moderate.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.