Senior Buyer

Safran DSI Business Unit: Optronics (formerly Optics 1)

ABOUT OUR MISSION:

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.

Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.

We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

POSITION PROFILE:

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Buyer to join our team at Safran Defense and Space Inc. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in both New Product Introduction (NPI) and production purchasing across multiple commodities. This role requires a proactive individual who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities, and effectively address challenges as they arise.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead procurement activities for both NPI and production purchasing, ensuring timely availability of materials to support manufacturing operations.
• Implement inventory control programs and procurement strategies to achieve cash flow and inventory turn objectives without compromising material availability.
• Manage formalized risk mitigation programs to reduce vulnerability of supply chain interruptions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts, and securing favorable terms and conditions.
• Analyze and manage material requirements through the MRP system, ensuring alignment with production scheduling and inventory management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, and quality assurance, to support product development and improvement initiatives.
• Monitor market trends and commodity prices to make informed purchasing decisions and strategic recommendations.
• Lead and/or participate in process improvement teams to drive cost savings and process improvements.
• Drive internal procedure improvements and deliver training to those improvements.
• Handle multiple tasks and urgent issues simultaneously while maintaining a high level of performance and professionalism.
• Utilize SAP ERP software to manage purchasing processes, track inventory levels, and assist in demand forecasting.
• Mentor Junior Buyers.
• Potential 5 percent travel may be required to meet with suppliers and support procurement needs.[BW1] 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in purchasing, with a strong background in both NPI and production purchasing.[BW2]  Defense Industry experience is a plus.
• Superior negotiation skills and understanding of contracts, supply agreements
• Strong knowledge of Government Procurement, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Defense Federal Acquisition Supplement (DFARS) and Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSR).
• Strong ability to envision the optimal sourcing strategy and critical success factors internally and externally.
• Must have excellent communication skills including listening, verbal and written.
• Proven ability to support department mission by maintaining favorable relationships with peers, subordinates, suppliers and customers.

• Must be flexible and adjust readily to new situations while effectively dealing with ambiguity, stress and uncertainty.
• Strong customer focus with proven service-oriented attitude under all situations.

Requires U.S. Citizenship

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• Experience working in Defense Industry.

TRAVEL: up to 10%

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

EEO STATEMENT & ACCESSIBILITY: 

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).