Buyer/Planner

As a Buyer/Planner at Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company, your primary responsibilities involve managing both indirect and direct supplier purchasing. You'll create and manage Requests for Quotations and Purchase Orders while performing assessments on supplier capabilities. You'll also work side-by-side with Proposal Engineers on new product proposals, ensuring that quality materials are delivered on time, all while adhering to necessary regulatory requirements. Your role is vital in supporting the operations and engineering development teams in Graham, KY, making sure that projects run smoothly and efficiently.

To qualify for the Buyer/Planner position at Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company, you should possess a BA/BS degree in Supply Chain, Finance, or Business, alongside 2 to 5 years of tactical purchasing experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry. Familiarity with both low volume development procurement and medium volume production procurement is highly desirable. A strong understanding of Continuous Improvement practices, Lean Manufacturing, and ERP systems is also essential. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are key to succeeding in this role.

The Buyer/Planner position at Ensign-Bickford plays an essential part in the procurement process by managing supplier relationships and ensuring that all materials are delivered in accordance with project requirements. You'll be responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating terms and pricing, and resolving any conflicts that may arise. Your attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects will help guarantee that suppliers meet quality standards and delivery timelines, significantly impacting the overall success of the company’s projects.

Important skills for a Buyer/Planner at Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company include strong analytical and negotiation skills, proficiency in MS Office applications such as Excel and PowerPoint, and a good knowledge of FAR/DFARS procurement documentation. The ideal candidate should also exhibit detail-oriented thinking, multitasking capabilities, and excellent communication skills to effectively interact with suppliers and internal teams. An entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment will set you apart in this role.

Yes, travel may be required for the Buyer/Planner role at Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company, although it is minimal, typically ranging from 0-10% of the work time. This travel may be necessary to meet with suppliers, attend trade shows, or engage in training and development activities to enhance your procurement-related skills. Flexibility and a willingness to travel are important aspects of this position.

When answering this question, highlight specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated with suppliers in previous roles. Discuss the strategies you employed, such as understanding market rates, building strong relationships, and utilizing data to back your proposals. This shows your depth of knowledge in supplier management and negotiation skills.

In response to this question, focus on communication, reliability, and mutual benefit. Stress the importance of fostering a collaborative atmosphere where both you and the suppliers have clear expectations. Sharing examples of how you've built strong partnerships can further emphasize your understanding of supplier dynamics.

Detail your organizational skills and methods for managing numerous projects concurrently. Discuss tools you utilize, such as project management software, prioritization techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix, and how you set deadlines to keep projects on track. Providing concrete examples can further demonstrate your capability.

Identify specific challenges, such as supply chain disruptions or difficult negotiations, and describe your methods for overcoming these hurdles. Discuss the analytical approaches you used to resolve issues and any relevant frameworks or systems that aided in finding solutions.

Discuss the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFARS) in terms of compliance and ensuring government procurement procedures are followed. Highlight the importance of these regulations to maintain ethical practices and understand their implications for supplier relationships.

Share your familiarity with various ERP systems, focusing on how you used them for procurement tasks. Discuss any specific functions you excelled in, such as inventory management, order processing, or supplier data analytics, which contribute to a more efficient procurement process.

Outline your methodical approach to sourcing, which may include conducting market research, analyzing supplier capabilities, performing risk assessments, and requesting quotations. Emphasize the importance of building a comprehensive understanding of potential suppliers and their offerings.

Define continuous improvement in the context of procurement as a commitment to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Discuss methodologies such as Lean principles that you can apply in identifying waste and improving processes, along with examples of successful improvements you've implemented.

Explain your processes for quality assurance in procurement, such as supplier audits, specification adherence checks, and maintaining clear communication with suppliers about quality expectations. Highlight the importance of quality not just for compliance, but also for the overall success of projects.

Discuss proactive strategies, such as exploring alternative suppliers, negotiating better contracts, or identifying cost-effective alternatives. Emphasizing your analytical skills and market knowledge will demonstrate your problem-solving approach and eagerness to adapt to changing market conditions.