Senior Buyer

Description

Onboard Systems International (“Onboard”), a Signia Aerospace company, is the leading global provider of external cargo handling equipment for civil and military helicopters. Founded nearly 50 years ago, the facility in Vancouver, WA has a growing product portfolio including mechanical cargo hooks and suspension systems, to proprietary weighing systems and a Human External Cargo (HEC) line of equipment. In addition to serving every major OEM, the company heavily targets helicopter owners like municipal, fire, search and rescue operators and utility companies. In total, we serve over 1,000 customers around the world.

Onboard Systems is a part of Signia Aerospace, whose brands lead the industry aerospace and aviation industry in performance and quality.

Onboard Systems International is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Buyer in Vancouver, WA. In this role, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, components and services required for aerospace manufacturing and operations. This role requires a strong understanding of supply chain management, procurement best practices, and industry regulations to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisitions while maintaining the highest quality standards. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with suppliers that meet aerospace industry standards.

· Develop and execute sourcing strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.

· Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with vendors while ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

· Monitor and evaluate supplier performance, ensuring adherence to quality, schedule, and contractual obligations.

· Address and resolve supplier issues related to delivery delays, non-conforming materials, and pricing discrepancies.

· Collaborate with suppliers to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

· Manage purchase orders, inventory levels, and lead times to support production schedules and minimize excess inventory.

· Implement cost-saving initiatives and identify opportunities for process improvements throughout the procurement cycle.

· Analyze market trends and supplier pricing to drive competitive procurement strategies.

· Ensure all purchases comply with aerospace industry regulations.

· Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and supplier agreements.

· Work closely with quality and engineering teams to ensure parts and materials meet specifications and certifications.

· Partner with engineering, production, and quality teams to align procurement strategies with project needs.

· Support new product introductions (NPI) by sourcing materials and components that meet technical requirements.

· Communicate effectively with stakeholders to address procurement challenges and ensure alignment with company objectives.

Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

· 5+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, preferably within the aerospace or defense industry.

· Strong knowledge of aerospace materials, components, and manufacturing processes.

· Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Infor, etc.) for procurement and inventory management.

· Proficiency in contract negotiation, supplier management, and cost analysis.

· Certification in CPM, CPSM, or APICS (CSCP/CPIM) preferred.

· Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

· Familiarity with international supply chains and global sourcing strategies.

· Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-precision environment.

Salary: $70,000-110,000 annually. The benefits package includes medical, dental, vision insurance, 401K with company match, vacation & holiday pay.

In addition to offering competitive wages and benefits, Onboard also offers the opportunity to increase your future earnings tied to growth in company performance. We recognize employee contributions toward growing the business through our unique Growth Participation Unit program (GPU). GPUs are tied directly to company growth and rewards all eligible employees with cash when the business grows over time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.