Senior Buyer

About FlightSafety International

FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

The Senior Buyer is responsible for the acquisition of highly complex equipment as well as a variety of materials, supplies and services to include computer hardware and software. Responsible for the issuance of RFP/RFQs, research and evaluation of procurement sources, supporting proposal activities, negotiating contractual agreement, and administering purchase orders. Manages interactions and strategic relationships between suppliers, program personnel, engineering, quality and finance to ensure contract performance objectives are met, resolve discrepancies with requisitions, invoices and receiving, lead vendor management reviews and complete other activities consistent with professional purchasing practices. Partner with Procurement leadership and Legal to review and negotiate contract terms. Ensure all purchasing activities are completed in compliance with purchasing policies, procedures and program requirements. Must understand and be able to complete procurements within ITAR and other FAR/DFARS constraints.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• The following duties are essential to the successful and satisfactory performance of this job. Other duties may be assigned.
• Negotiates and executes procurement of assigned commodities and services by properly balancing considerations of price, quality, service, delivery, payment terms and risk management consistent with FlightSafety policies and procedures and Government regulations. Includes identifying sources of supply, managing interactions with current and prospective suppliers, preparing request for quotes, evaluating quotations and vendor qualifications, negotiating contract terms, evaluating price proposals and executing purchase orders.
• Maintains the highest level of professional relationships and conduct with suppliers, corporate, and operational personnel.
• Actively supports corporate and departmental objectives and strategic initiatives.
• Evaluates suppliers for socio-economic status relative to achievement of program small business goals. Maintain source file and web base programs that list suppliers, which meet Small Business Administration requirements.
• Performs supplier assessments to ensure ability to perform and analyzes price and service proposals to ensure business needs are met.
• Conducts follow-up actions on past due purchase orders which require corrective action to ensures on-time delivery of products and services.
• Maintains proper administration of purchase orders and Deltek database to ensure accurate information.
• Aggressively pursues cost reduction and cost containment opportunities.
• Reviews and verifies requisitions for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensures the protection of sensitive information while engaging with external partners including issuing and maintaining Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Provides documentation and justification for purchases to ensure compliance with government regulations and contract flow-down clauses.
• Coordinates independently with program and multi-site personnel relative to schedule, sources, specifications, and costs.
• Coordinates, conducts and participates in meetings and discussions between supplier representatives and FlightSafety personnel.
• Resolves and actions discrepant supplied items and material with suppliers in a timely manner.
• Resolves discrepancies in requisitions, invoices, and receiving in a timely manner. Supports Small Business initiatives and actions.
• Identifies process improvements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field or equivalent experience.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum five years of direct purchasing experience.
• Procurement experience in support of government contracts, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to negotiate purchases effectively.
• Ability to act without guidance within established policies and procedures as an official agent of the company.
• Expert knowledge of procurement processes and regulations under DoD.
• Understanding of FAR/DFARS and subcontract flow-downs.
• Highly developed procurement skills, and a demonstrated steady, reliable competence in difficult situations which require independent judgment.
• Understanding of and ability to utilize various contract types including fixed price, labor hour and T and M.
• Ability to prepare and administer long term agreements.
• Thorough understanding of purchasing policies and procedures.
• Maintain a general knowledge of assigned commodities in terms of supplier-industry, market conditions, and price trends.
• Ability to work well under pressure and to exercise a high degree of initiative and responsibility.
• Basic knowledge of computer applications to include Microsoft Office.
• Basic knowledge and application of an automated purchasing system.
• Proficient cost and price analysis skills/expertise required.
• Proficient skills relative to detailed record keeping and formalized file maintenance.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the teammate is regularly required to sit, use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The teammate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The teammate must have close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.