Strategic Purchasing Specialist

Job Title: Strategic Purchasing Specialist / Senior BuyerLocation: Clyde, NYDuration: Direct HireSchedule: 1st ShiftWork Arrangement: On SiteNature of Job: Strategic Sourcing, Purchasing, Supplier Management, and Contract NegotiationPay Rate: $90,000–$100,000 annually + 10% BonusJob Type: RPO Direct HireDomain: Aerospace, Defense, Industrial Manufacturing, and Supply Chain ManagementDeadline: 11/07/2026Position OverviewOur Gas Turbine Fuel Systems Division is seeking an experienced purchasing professional with a strong strategic mindset and a solid background in purchasing, supplier development, and contract negotiation. This role is responsible for sourcing critical and complex materials, equipment, parts, and services while ensuring the best combination of quality, cost, delivery, and supplier performance.The successful candidate will identify and develop new suppliers, negotiate commercial agreements, manage supplier relationships, and drive continuous improvement across procurement operations. The position requires strong business judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to represent professionally during quarterly business travel to Scotland.The Gas Turbine Fuel Systems Division focuses on the design, development, manufacture, and service of engine fuel, lubrication, and thermal management systems and components for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.Skills RequiredPrimary SkillsStrategic sourcing and purchasingSupplier identification, qualification, and developmentContract negotiation and supplier agreementsRequest for Quotation (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) managementCost analysis and price negotiationSupplier performance managementProcurement planning and purchase order administrationSupplier relationship managementSecondary SkillsInternational supplier managementSupply chain risk assessment and mitigationContinuous improvement and process optimizationData analysis and procurement reportingManufacturing and materials management systemsRegulatory and contractual complianceCross-functional project coordinationLeadership, communication, and presentation skillsMajor Job ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing and Supplier DevelopmentIdentify, evaluate, and recommend suppliers by researching market availability, production capabilities, pricing, and service offerings.Develop and onboard new suppliers to strengthen the supply base and support business requirements.Prepare statements of work, bidder lists, RFQs, and RFPs for required materials, equipment, and services.Conduct supplier site visits and evaluate production capabilities, delivery performance, quality standards, and other business criteria.Support or lead supplier certification assessments in coordination with technical and quality teams.Develop alternate sources of supply to reduce risk and improve procurement flexibility.Purchasing and Contract NegotiationPurchase critical, complex, and high-value parts, equipment, services, and materials.Evaluate supplier proposals and negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, quality requirements, and service terms.Negotiate final purchase terms and conditions, award contracts, and administer procurement agreements through completion.Issue accurate purchase orders and agreements reflecting negotiated prices, schedules, terms, and conditions.Maintain accurate supplier lead times and procurement records.Manage international supplier transactions and subcontracting arrangements, including applicable import/export requirements.Supplier Performance and Risk ManagementMonitor and evaluate supplier performance against contractual, quality, cost, and delivery requirements.Identify potential supplier failures and implement corrective actions to minimize production delays and supply disruptions.Resolve shipment and quality discrepancies by coordinating with suppliers, manufacturing teams, and other stakeholders.Coordinate inspections, material substitutions, standardization efforts, and supplier improvement activities.Negotiate and resolve damage claims, rejected materials, shipment losses, returns, over-shipments, cancellations, and engineering changes.Ensure suppliers meet applicable company, government, commercial, technical, and quality requirements.Data Analysis and Continuous ImprovementPrepare complex procurement reports and analyses by collecting, evaluating, and summarizing purchasing data and trends.Analyze supplier performance, pricing, and alternative sourcing options to support informed business decisions.Apply continuous improvement techniques to enhance internal procurement processes and systems.Develop and implement improvement initiatives with key suppliers.Evaluate proposed changes to procurement methods, materials, and processes.Lead or participate in cross-functional projects and other strategic business initiatives.Leadership and Stakeholder ManagementEstablish goals and objectives for assigned projects and ensure timely completion.Serve as a primary contact for high-level procurement projects.Provide guidance, training, and mentoring to less experienced team members when required.Share procurement expertise and support team development initiatives.Maintain professional and technical knowledge through training, industry publications, networking, and professional associations.Represent us professionally in supplier meetings, business discussions, and international engagements.Travel to Scotland quarterly to support supplier and business requirements.Compliance and GovernanceComply with applicable federal, state, and aerospace industry regulations.Follow the company's Government/Commercial Practices Manual (GPM/CPM) policies and procedures.Ensure procurement activities meet applicable legal, regulatory, contractual, technical, and quality requirements.Review policies and recommend procedural improvements when appropriate.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field.Six or more years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing, procurement, strategic sourcing, or a related field.Strong purchasing background with demonstrated experience in supplier management and commercial negotiations.Thorough knowledge of purchasing methods, negotiation principles, and procurement concepts.Experience identifying, evaluating, and developing suppliers.Ability to negotiate effectively to achieve competitive pricing and favorable contractual terms.Knowledge of general business operations, industry practices, and procurement-related legal and regulatory requirements.Experience using standard business applications and specialized purchasing or materials management systems, such as EDI or MRP systems.Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate complex problems, compare alternatives, and make informed decisions.Ability to interpret policies, analyze data, and recommend process improvements.Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.Ability to communicate effectively with suppliers, team members, senior management, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.Ability to coordinate across multiple teams and manage complex projects.Willingness and ability to travel to Scotland quarterly.Professional demeanor and the ability to represent us effectively in international business settings.Preferred SkillsCertificate in Purchasing Management (CPM) or APICS certification.Experience in aerospace, defense, gas turbine systems, or industrial manufacturing.Experience managing international suppliers and cross-border procurement activities.Knowledge of supplier certification, quality management, and supply chain risk mitigation.Experience leading supplier improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects.Demonstrated ability to mentor colleagues and support team development.EducationBachelor's degree required in Business Administration or a related field.CPM or APICS certification preferred.BenefitsMedical, Dental, and Vision Insurance401(k) Retirement PlanPaid Sick LeaveAI Usage PolicyAI tools may be used to assist with the recruitment and screening process. Final candidate evaluation and hiring decisions will be made by human recruiters and the hiring team.EEOC ComplianceWe are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.