Buyer (R2898)

As a Buyer at Shield AI, you will be responsible for planning and coordinating all vendor interactions, managing purchase orders, negotiating pricing and terms, and supporting procurement for various requirements including raw materials and fixed assets. Your role is vital to ensuring high-quality supply chain operations that align with our strategic objectives.

To be considered for the Buyer role at Shield AI, candidates must have at least three years of experience in purchasing and supply chain management, ideally within the aerospace or automotive sectors. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other office software, and familiarity with ERP systems are also crucial for success in this role.

At Shield AI, we understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance, especially in demanding roles such as the Buyer position. We promote a flexible work culture while ensuring that our employees can maintain productivity and well-being, supported by a range of benefits that enhance overall job satisfaction.

At Shield AI, career advancement opportunities abound for motivated Buyers. As you gain experience and demonstrate your expertise in supplier management and procurement strategies, you can advance into more senior roles in supply chain management or even leadership positions, all while contributing to our mission in defense technology.

The culture at Shield AI is vibrant, innovative, and mission-driven. As a Buyer, you’ll be part of a dynamic team where collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to protecting service members and civilians are at the core of our values. You'll thrive in an environment that encourages independent work while also offering robust support.

When answering this question, be specific about your previous roles in aerospace or related fields. Highlight key projects where you successfully handled procurement processes, emphasizing your understanding of industry regulations and best practices.

Discuss your negotiation strategy, focusing on preparing thoroughly by researching suppliers and their market positions. Give examples where you achieved better terms and pricing through effective communication and relationship-building.

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to describe a real-life example of a challenging procurement issue. Emphasize your problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and the successful outcome of your approach.

Mention specific ERP systems you’ve worked with, such as Deltek or Costpoint. Explain how these tools improved your efficiency in managing purchases, supplier relationships, and analytics.

Describe your methodologies for assessing supplier performance metrics, sharing how these analyses have led to improved decision-making in procurement and enhancing supplier relationships.

Talk about your familiarity with regulations such as FAR and DFARS and how you've adhered to them in your past roles. Mention any training or certifications that reinforce your knowledge.

Discuss your organizational skills and prioritization techniques, including how you assess urgency, project impact, and resource availability to meet the needs of various departments effectively.

Focus on your communication strategies, frequency of check-ins, and how you facilitate open dialogues to foster strong partnerships with vendors that benefit both parties.

Provide a concrete example of a cost-saving initiative you led. Highlight the analytical approach you took to identify savings opportunities and the resulting impact on the organization's procurement budget.

Reflect on your passion for the field and how your values align with the mission of Shield AI. Discuss how you find fulfillment in contributing to efficient supply chain processes and the larger mission of supporting defense technologies.