Position Summary:

The Purchasing Manager will lead and oversee all procurement activities related to the sourcing of materials, components, and services for the aerospace wire harness manufacturing operation. This individual will be responsible for strategic supplier management, cost optimization, and contract negotiation, ensuring compliance with aerospace quality standards and delivering operational excellence in a time-sensitive production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with production schedules and cost-efficiency goals.
• Source and procure aerospace-grade materials such as wires, terminals, connectors, tubing, and insulation components.

Supplier Management & Negotiation

• Identify, evaluate, and develop relationships with qualified global and local suppliers.
• Lead high-level contract negotiations focusing on price, lead time, quality, and long-term value.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when needed.

Cost & Risk Management

• Analyze market trends and material cost drivers to develop cost-reduction initiatives.
• Mitigate supply chain risks through alternate sourcing, buffer stock strategies, and strategic agreements.
• Lead efforts to improve supplier payment terms and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all purchases comply with aerospace industry regulations, including AS9100, NADCAP, and internal quality standards.
• Maintain accurate records of POs, contracts, and vendor certifications in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, production planning, and quality teams to align procurement with product and delivery requirements.
• Participate in NPI (New Product Introduction) sourcing and BOM validation for wire harness assemblies.

Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Master's or APICS certification is a plus).

Experience:

• Minimum of 5–7 years of purchasing experience, preferably in aerospace, automotive, or electronics manufacturing.
• Strong background in wire harness components and materials is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Advanced negotiation and contract management skills
• Strong knowledge of import/export regulations, ITAR/EAR, and supplier compliance
• Fluent in English and Spanish (spoken and written)
• Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent organizational and analytical abilities

Preferred Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution ability
• Proactive communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• Skilled in supplier development and cost modeling
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, quality-critical environments