Sr. Buyer

Buyer – Precision Manufacturing (Aerospace & Semiconductor)

Location: Sauk Rapids, MN (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Opportunity

A growing precision manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Buyer to support its Minnesota-based operation. This facility services both semiconductor and Aerospace & Defense (A&D) customers and operates in a highly regulated, fast-paced environment.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring material availability, supplier performance, and successful new product introductions (NPI). The Buyer will partner closely with Engineering, Planning, Quality, and Operations to support production ramps and customer commitments.

Key Responsibilities

NPI & Prototype Procurement

• Manage sourcing, quoting, and purchasing activities for new product introduction (NPI) and prototype builds
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to support new programs
• Partner with Engineering and Quality to ensure suppliers meet Aerospace & Defense compliance standards (AS9100)
• Support documentation and standardization of procurement processes and requirements

Supplier & Commodity Management

• Monitor supplier delivery performance and resolve shortages, delays, and quality issues
• Communicate demand forecasts and align supplier production schedules
• Manage purchasing activity to balance cost control with supply continuity
• Build strong supplier relationships and hold vendors accountable to performance expectations

Supply Risk & Escalation Management

• Proactively identify capacity constraints, supply risks, and material shortages
• Lead recovery efforts and coordinate cross-functional responses
• Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (preferred)

Experience

• 3–8+ years of procurement or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in precision machining, semiconductor equipment, or Aerospace & Defense industries preferred
• Familiarity with AS9100 or other regulated manufacturing environments is a strong plus

Systems & Tools

• Experience with ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, or similar)
• Exposure to PLM systems (such as Agile) is a plus

Core Competencies

• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage high PO volumes
• Clear, effective communication with both suppliers and internal teams
• Strong problem-solving mindset with ability to resolve supply issues quickly
• Self-driven, proactive, and results-oriented
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, production-driven environment
• Ability to collaborate with global suppliers across multiple time zones

Work Environment

• Onsite role in Sauk Rapids, MN
• High collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams
• Dynamic environment supporting both high-growth and regulated programs