Job Description

Eleven Recruiting is seeking a skilled and proactive Senior Buyer – Outside Processing (OSP) to join one of our leading aerospace manufacturing clients in Los Alamitos, CA. This individual will be responsible for overseeing all procurement functions related to outside processing services, including heat treating, anodizing, NDT, passivation, and painting. As a key member of the Supply Chain team, the Senior Buyer will support cross-functional departments—including Engineering, Quality, Planning, Manufacturing, and Finance—to ensure cost-effective, compliant, and on-time processing of parts.

The ideal candidate brings a high level of integrity, initiative, and technical acumen, with the ability to manage supplier relationships and lead procurement strategy in a high-mix, fast-paced aerospace environment.

Responsibilities:

• Fully manage Outside Processing (OSP) operations, including issuing and tracking POs for services such as heat treating, anodizing, NDT, passivation, and painting.
• Lead vendor selection, qualification, and relationship management, ensuring alignment with aerospace quality, cost, and delivery standards.
• Evaluate quotations, lead times, and capabilities to drive procurement decisions and support estimating and quoting activities.
• Negotiate pricing and terms for long-term processing agreements and support strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Planning, Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Finance to ensure compliance, traceability, and schedule adherence.
• Partner with Quality and Estimating to review technical drawings, specifications, and certification requirements.
• Monitor shortage reports and coordinate with Shipping/Receiving to ensure JIT part flow and accurate documentation.
• Resolve invoice, delivery, and documentation discrepancies alongside Accounting and Receiving teams.
• Drive cost reduction efforts and continuous improvement across supplier performance and internal procurement processes.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage procurement data and maintain real-time visibility of part status.
• Support supplier audits and contribute to department training by mentoring junior procurement staff.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of purchasing experience in aerospace or complex manufacturing environments, with a focus on special processing and vendor management.
• Proven ability to manage critical-path OSP activities and supplier performance.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience developing pricing strategies and long-term agreements.
• Familiarity with aerospace compliance standards and documentation, including certifications and routings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and Outlook).
• Experienced with ERP/MRP systems and purchase order management.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
• High ethical standards with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Aerospace or defense industry experience.
• Working knowledge of NADCAP and other special processing certifications.
• Background in invoice/PO reconciliation and cross-functional purchasing coordination.
• Experience supporting supplier audits and process improvement initiatives.

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