Senior Buyer / Supply Chain Inventory Analyst

This merged job description outlines the responsibilities and qualifications for a role that combines the strategic purchasing functions of a Senior Buyer with the analytical and planning expertise of a Supply Chain Inventory Analyst. This position is critical for optimizing material and service procurement, ensuring inventory availability, and driving supply chain efficiency, particularly within the aviation field.

DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Purchasing & Materials Manager, this position is responsible for the end-to-end procurement of materials and services, from requisition to receipt, ensuring the best prices, highest quality, and optimal delivery to meet required dates. The incumbent will also manage return activities as needed. A key aspect of this role involves demand forecasting, inventory planning, and complex data analysis to identify optimal stock levels and ensure part/material availability for Company Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations. This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to determine material planning strategies and inventory management solutions for supply chain optimization. The incumbent will track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) impacting financial and operational performance and lead continuous improvement initiatives in support of department and company goals.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS)

• Negotiate for and purchase materials and services at the best price, highest quality, and best delivery possible, consistent with corporate policies and procedures.
• Analyze consumption patterns and forecast future demand for raw materials, components, and finished goods to determine inventory management strategies and optimal stock levels across multiple company sites. Measure forecast accuracy, analyze variances, and improve forecast models when required.
• Accomplish sourcing for primary, and where applicable, a secondary list of approved vendors for assigned product types.
• Continuously monitor orders for delivery schedules, price changes, or other changes to the purchase order, promptly advising the originating department of current delivery status.
• Monitor inventory levels and identify potential stock shortages or excess/obsolete inventory. Analyze and provide recommendations on the disposition of excess and obsolete inventory.
• Keep departments informed of delinquent vendor performance, personally expediting if necessary, or taking other appropriate action to improve vendor performance.
• Maintain the integrity and validity of open purchase order reports and records, including part numbers, pricing, and delivery dates.
• Create, maintain, and ensure the accuracy of essential data within multiple company ERP, MRP, or BI systems/platforms.
• Interface and coordinate material requirements, lead times, optimum purchase quantities, and prices with the Supervisor to maximize service levels to users.
• Communicate with user groups to determine potential changes in usage patterns or possible phase-out of current item demands.
• Monitor and control rotable transactions and inventory levels, and assist in planning, procurement, and logistics related to rotable parts.
• Identify potential schedule, resource conflicts, and/or material shortages and communicate proactive solutions to stakeholders.
• In conjunction with Purchasing and Supplier Management, measure and monitor supplier performance and analyze operational impacts. Monitor supplier recovery plans and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful implementation.
• Track and analyze supply chain performance metrics, such as inventory turnover, forecast accuracy, and supplier performance, to identify areas for improvement.
• Identify opportunities to streamline supply chain operations and propose continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Maintain working knowledge of all interfacing areas within the company to ensure continuity of materials and paperwork flow.

NON-PRINCIPAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS)

• Assist others in the department as needed.
• Special projects as required by Management.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High School Degree or equivalent. Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Business Management (or similar), or a related curriculum, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Experience: Minimum three (3) years of purchasing experience, with a preference for the aviation field. Minimum two (2) years of experience in Demand Planning, Inventory Management, Purchasing, or Supply Chain Management, with a preference for the aviation field.
• Skills:
• Ability to perform mathematical analyses.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain effective working relationships with vendors and company personnel at all levels.
• Analyze bids, prepare, and interpret specifications and reports.
• Proficiency in Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) concepts and systems.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated aptitude for critical thinking, problem-solving, and making data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Suite.
• Ethics: High degree of ethics and integrity.
• Relationships: Ability to manage and maintain critical customer relationships (internal and external).

ADDITIONAL DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Purchasing or Supply Management certification (e.g., APICS CPIM - Certified in Production and Inventory Management, or CSCP - Certified Supply Chain Professional).
• Experience with the Corridor system.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards (AS9100) and regulatory requirements (FAA, EASA, TCCA).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal administrative office environment with repetitive use of computer and telephone equipment to complete job functions. Short periods of time will be required in production and warehouse areas. Some travel may be required.