Buyer

Founded in 1953, Aerosonic has grown to be a leader in aviation instrumentation and avionics equipment - including air data systems, standby displays, digital and mechanical standby instruments, sensors and probes. Our customers include the major manufacturers of today’s civil, military and business fixed wing and rotorcraft platforms as well as all branches of the US military forces. We are located in Clearwater, FL and do not offer hybrid or remote work - all employees must be a U.S. Person.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Exceed customer expectations while fostering a supportive and engaging work environment
• Rewards: Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses to match your drive for success
• Growth: Access to mentorship, professional development and clear paths to leadership roles
• Culture: Join a dynamic team of bold thinkers who value creativity, collaboration and results
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k) with match, profit sharing plan and more

Summary of Position:

Search for, qualify, select and manage suppliers of materials and services, with a focus on electronic components and machined parts. Responsible for negotiating supply/price agreements that result in value improvement/total cost reduction. Ensure material is available for production through review and acting on ERP/MRP recommendations as well as collaboration with new product development and value stream teams. Ensure continuity of supply with minimal inventory investment by implementing Lean replenishment methodologies, managing quality issues, and developing and maintaining internal and external relationships.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Review and analyze data to determine cost saving opportunities through vendor consolidation, contract negotiations, dual sourcing, volume-leveraging, with focus on cost initiatives with suppliers.
• Ongoing problem solving and support of material shortages and problem parts.
• Material status reporting on expedited and late material orders.
• Analyze and solve purchasing problems with other departments (Accounting, Receiving, Production Planning, Product Development, etc.) such as conformance to quality or design requirements, material scheduling, receiving, and price disputes).
• Maintain the accuracy of purchase item data and planning parameters driving the ERP/MRP processes.
• Develop and maintain supplier key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Support and execute supplier and commodity strategies to support plant procurement and manufacturing operations.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure purchase order information is accurate and concise for invoicing; interface with necessary Finance partners to ensure timely payment.  
• Collaborate with internal customers to develop business requirements and improve processes.
• Participate in technical reviews with suppliers and internal teams.
• Assist with ERP, Kanban, or other logistics systems set-up, as needed.
• Partner with the Planning team to manage OTD and KPIs and ensure in-stock positioning for key items.
• Utilize data accessed through reporting tools to track and review sales and determine chase opportunities and inventory management.
• Responsibility for selecting product or product lines (conduct vendor meetings, review market trends and make appropriate product decisions).
• Documenting vendor meetings and appropriate follow up.
• Responsible for negotiating resolution for quality control / defective material.
• Evaluate pricing regularly to determine opportunities for cost savings and ensure competitive pricing.
• Make recommendations to your manager for improvements and streamline processes.
• Process purchase orders in a timely manner with suppliers and track progress from PO placement through delivery.

What you Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Equivalent.
• 1-3 years related experience preferable
• ISM or APICS/CPIM certification preferred
• Expertise in using MRP and planning tools, preferably ECI Solutions MAX. SAP, Epicor, Oracle also a plus.
• Strong communication, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with other departments, to ensure that both internal and external service levels are met.
• Possesses good judgment and escalates issues as needed.
• Bias for action is essential for success in this position.
• MS Office proficiency; advanced Excel skills preferred.
• Knowledge of electronic commodities and components is a plus
• Knowledge of SQL and cloud-based collaborative software is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Restrictions are limited only by individual’s inability to perform essential job duties and where an unsafe condition would result for the individual or surrounding employees.
• Required lifting weight: 35 lbs. Lifting Frequency: Rarely
• Ability to work in a Manufacturing environment

Work Environment:

• Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions
• Includes occasionally exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable
• Requires sitting for extended periods of time

Disclaimer:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

This role is restricted to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8. U.S.C.1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. Aerosonic will require proof status before employment.

Aerosonic provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants and employees are treated fairly during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. Personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.