Lead Buyer jobs in Columbia, MD

About Us:
Middle River Aerostructure Systems is a world-leading manufacturer of thrust reversers (the braking system on a jet engine), engine nacelle components and specialized aerostructures. It supplies and supports these products for engine makers, airplane manufacturers and aircraft operators. Located on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore, MRAS has a 1.7-million sq. ft. facility situated on 180 acres – where the company and its predecessors have designed, built and equipped civil and military aircraft for over 90 years. In 2019, MRAS was acquired by ST Engineering North America, the U.S. affiliate of Singapore-based ST Engineering – becoming a part of its global network of aerospace facilities and offices. With the ownership change, the company was renamed Middle River Aerostructure Systems.

Role Summary

ST Engineering Aerospace – Middle River Aerostructure Systems, LLC. is looking for an experienced Lead Commodity Buyer to manage dedicated suppliers to achieve the best contractual conditions, pricing, quality, terms & delivery, while also ensuring internal customer satisfaction. In this role you will manage the entire supplier relationship, from RFP through contract award and fulfillment execution.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage the entire life cycle of the supplier relationship which include the following; bidder list development, RFQ, bid analysis, down select, negotiations, Deal Review preparation & presentation, Contract award, bid process documentation, PO release and Fulfillment.
• Manage supplier OTD & Quality metrics.
• Status delivery & commitments.
• Drive MRB documentation between the supplier and internal parties.
• Drive supplier recovery planning & execution as necessary.
• Define, present & administer supplier strategy to ensure best overall value is obtained, including consistent delivery to schedule & quality requirements.
• Manage and lead claim negotiations and special projects as required.
• Monitor engineering change activity & lead detail overlap process with supplier(s).
• Communicate and coordinate activities as required with cross-functional groups including; Planning, Engineering, Quality, Programs, Finance, Legal & Manufacturing.
• Assist in the continuous development of the Procurement function towards best practices.
• Advise functional managers regarding approaches, processes and procedures within supply base.
• Assist in onboarding of new employees including training and mentorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Supply Chain, Engineering, or Business with minimum of 5 years of strategic sourcing experience including RFP’s, supplier selection, contract negotiations & management, etc. In lieu of a Bachelor's degree the candidate must posses a high school diploma / GED with a minimum of 10 years of experience in Supply Chain, Engineering, or Business.
• Understanding of general procurement and subcontract execution, manufacturing and purchasing workflows.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering and/or technical discipline.
• Experience in procuring commodities for the aerospace industry, including but not limited to, raw materials, machined metallics, composite, actuation, and/or electrical components.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Critical self-thinker and strong problem-solving skills & ability to operate independently.
• Willingness to travel.
• Direct experience interfacing with executive leadership.
• Strong Excel skills and other Microsoft Office tools.
• Familiar with ERP systems (SAP desired) and SRM’s preferred.
• Effective leadership skills.
• Aerospace industry experience.

MRAS is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation or belief, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value.