Lead Buyer

Under minimal supervision, the Lead Buyer sources, develops and maintains suppliers for materials, supplies, and other production- related items.

Negotiates pricing and terms favorable to project budget and achieves or exceeds target budget/cost without sacrificing quality or delivery.

Works with Production, Programs and Engineering personnel to understand requirements and makes suggestions for viable alternatives when applicable.

Monitors repeat buys and makes suggestions as to stock quantities or inventory levels.

Ensures compliance to SOX, CMMC, SPRS and internal approval matrices.

May assist Estimating in sourcing and costing material/items for RFQ's.

May oversee, train or mentor other Buyers or Purchasing personnel.

Come join a growing team!

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Purchasing - 80%


* Examines budgets, drawings and specifications to understand requirements prior to sourcing


* Meets or exceeds target price/cost without sacrificing quality or delivery


* Based on requirements, recommends the best supplier.

Creates P.O's and ensures appropriate approvals are obtained prior to placing orders


* Negotiates blanket and annual contracts/service agreements.

Reviews contracts to ensure they comply with LWOS's standard T&C guidelines.

Negotiates contract terms for favorable to LWOS.


* Monitors approvals, delivery and supplier performance.

Modifies P.O's, lead times or expedites orders as required and communicates changes to all affected parties


* Acts as a liaison between company departments and the supplier to resolve issues of production, quality or schedule


* Maintains strong relationships with key suppliers.

Utilizes such relationships to leverage favorable terms for LWOS


* Identifies multiple procurement sources where available and maintains information on alternate and/or preferred suppliers


* Identifies areas for cost savings based on competitive suppliers, materials market, etc.

and negotiates with supplier for lower costs or better terms


* Discrepancies or difficulties in finding appropriate suppliers/pricing are promptly communicated and resolved


* Participates in Supplier Development/Qualification activities by sourcing, researching and evaluating new suppliers.

Makes recommendations for including new suppliers based on their capabilities, quality, pricing and capacity


* Assists Estimating or Programs in securing pricing and quotes for RFG or bid proposal activities

Admin and Continuous Improvement - 20%


* Provides data for analytics, metrics or reporting


* Examines analytics or trends to help determine best stock levels on routine buys or for Kanban activity.

Makes suggestions for improvement when appropriate


* Makes suggestions for alternative products where appropriate to improve cost, quality or delivery times


* Stays informed of the current markets and trends for commonly used materials or parts.

Investigates and reports on trends or new suppli...