BUYER III in Tampa, Florida at Aero Simulation, Inc. (ASI)

THE COMPANY

For over 40 years, Aero Simulation, Inc. (ASI) has provided quality flight training devices to the US Military. ASI has successfully built numerous training systems with a primary focus on aircrew and maintenance training systems. Our current programs include, but are not limited to, the B-1 Training Systems (Air Force), E-2D Training Systems (Navy), CH-53E Training Devices (USMC), IMOMS (Coast Guard), Navigation, Seamanship, Shiphandling Trainer – NSST (Navy). To learn more about ASI visit Programs- Aero Simulation, Inc.

ASI is a 100% employee-owned engineering and manufacturing company committed to supporting the nation’s warfighters. Being 100% employee-owned directly impacts our culture: it drives our decision-making, motivates our teams, increases our productivity, improves retention and contributes to the future success of our company. Our culture is one where we work hard for our clients and for each other – and we have fun collaborating, sharing experience and expertise, and learning along the way. We strive to deliver exceptional quality, elevate client relationships, and enrich the careers and lives of our employee-owners. As Employee-Owners, we are invested in the success and continued development of each other and the company.

In addition to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), we offer a flexible work environment, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, industry competitive compensation, and superior benefits to include medical, dental, 401k and more!

ASI is a great place to build a career and grow with a company that is dedicated to quality, service and to fostering a community of support for each and every member of the team. To learn more about this opportunity, keep reading!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Buyer III is a senior-level procurement professional responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and expediting materials, fabricated components, equipment, and services necessary to support company programs and operations. This position has primary responsibility for the procurement of fabricated parts and requires the ability to interpret engineering drawings, identify qualified suppliers, negotiate pricing and lead times, and ensure materials are delivered in accordance with project schedules, quality requirements, and budget objectives.

The Buyer III manages complex procurement activities, develops and maintains supplier relationships, supports supplier performance and development, and ensures purchasing activities comply with company policies, contractual requirements, and applicable Government procurement requirements. This position works closely with Engineering, Program Management, Production Control, Manufacturing, Quality, and other departments to identify material requirements, resolve supply chain issues, and support successful program execution.

The Buyer III is expected to have a thorough understanding of Buyer I and Buyer II responsibilities and be capable of performing those functions as necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sources and procures fabricated mechanical parts, electrical and mechanical materials, equipment, services, and other items required to support company programs and operations.
• Reviews and interprets engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and other technical documentation to understand purchasing requirements and identify appropriate suppliers.
• Identifies, evaluates, and develops qualified suppliers based on technical capability, quality, cost, lead time, past performance, and other program requirements.
• Solicits and evaluates supplier quotations and negotiates pricing, delivery schedules, terms, and other purchasing conditions to achieve competitive pricing and support program profitability.
• Creates and processes requisitions and purchase orders in accordance with established purchasing procedures and approval authority.
• Monitors open purchase orders and proactively expedites fabricated parts and other critical materials to support project and production schedules.
• Communicates material status, delivery risks, and supplier issues to Program Managers, Production Control, Manufacturing, Engineering, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• Identifies potential supply chain risks and works with suppliers and internal departments to resolve shortages, quality concerns, delivery delays, and other procurement issues.
• Continuously researches and develops alternative suppliers to improve pricing, lead times, quality, capacity, and overall supply chain performance.
• Builds and maintains effective supplier relationships and supports supplier performance management and development activities.
• Maintains accurate purchasing, supplier, material, and procurement records in Epicor and other applicable systems.
• Maintains supplier information and documentation necessary to support ISO and other applicable audit and compliance requirements.
• Supports purchasing activities associated with Government contracts and ensures compliance with applicable contractual and Government procurement requirements.
• Supports inventory and material management activities to ensure required materials are available when needed while controlling cost and excess inventory.
• Purchases software, licenses, electrical and mechanical materials, and other commodities as required.
• Maintains and supports Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Contractor Furnished Equipment (CFE) records and reporting, as applicable.
• Collaborates with Engineering on fabricated-part sourcing, supplier manufacturability questions, drawing clarifications, and other technical procurement matters.
• Provides guidance and support to Buyer I and Buyer II personnel and assists with procurement priorities and workload as needed.
• Performs Buyer I and Buyer II responsibilities as necessary to maintain continuity of procurement operations.
• Represents Procurement at project, production, and other internal meetings and attends meetings on behalf of the Procurement Manager when required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES

Provides guidance, mentorship, and day-to-day support to Buyer I and Buyer II personnel, sharing procurement knowledge and best practices to support their professional development and increasing levels of responsibility.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Five or more years of progressively responsible purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or related experience preferred.
• Experience purchasing fabricated or machined components in an engineering or manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting Government contracts or a Government contracting environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, supplier management, negotiation, and material planning principles.
• Strong understanding of fabricated and machined-part procurement and associated manufacturing processes.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems required; strong Epicor experience highly preferred.
• Familiarity with CAD systems and/or the ability to review CAD information is preferred.
• Knowledge of Government contracting and applicable procurement requirements is preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and other technical documentation.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to evaluate quotations and make purchasing decisions based on price, quality, technical capability, lead time, and program requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to changing project and production requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve supplier, material, and supply chain issues.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate procurement records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, Production Control, Quality, and suppliers.
• Proficiency with Epicor or similar ERP/MRP systems.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently while effectively contributing in a team-oriented environment.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

U.S. Citizenship Required: As a federal contractor supporting the U.S. warfighter, it is required that all employees in this role be United States citizens in compliance with government contract and security requirements.

Background Check: Must be able to successfully pass an initial background screening.

Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance. The selected candidate will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information, as required by the position.

Work Schedule Flexibility: Occasional overtime and alternate shifts may be required to meet customer schedules, critical deadlines, or program milestones.

Travel Requirements: Must be able and willing to travel domestically and, on occasion, internationally to customer sites, partner locations, or project meetings in support of contract objectives.

Drug-Free Workplace: ASI maintains a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants and employees are subject to pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with company policy.

Employment Contingency: All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of all background checks, security clearance requirements, and drug-screening results.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Typically, employees sit comfortably to do their work, interspersed by brief periods of standing, walking, bending carrying papers and books, and extensive periods requiring the use of computer terminals to accomplish work objectives.

Additional skills may be required to perform additional task(s) specific to work location, department or line of business.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office environment consisting of offices and cubicles with low to moderate noise and bright or dim lighting. The work is fast-paced and sometimes involves extreme deadline pressures. The nature of the work requires a high degree of teamwork and cooperation with other members of the staff as well as external customers.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications that are required of the employee for the job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The following policies apply to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, transfer, termination, layoff, compensation benefits, social and recreational programs, and all other conditions and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Candidate Reasonable Accommodation

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify Aero simulation, Inc. by e-mail at jobs@aerosimulation.com or by calling directly at 813-867-4447.

ADA Policy

It is the policy of ASI to comply with all the relevant and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its Amendments. ASI will not discriminate against any qualified employee or job applicant with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person's physical or mental disability. ASI also will make reasonable accommodation wherever necessary for all employees or applicants with handicaps, disabilities, provided that the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform the duties and assignments connected with the job and provided that any accommodations made are not an undue hardship for ASI.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ASI is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic/civil partnership or marital status, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected by law. We strive for everyone to be valued, connected, and empowered to reach their potential and contribute their best.

E-Verify

ASI is proud to be an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

Pay Transparency Policy Statement

ASI will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise, have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information.