Senior Buyer (Project Management)

Job Title: Senior Buyer
Location: Huntsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time; Exempt
Reports to: Director of Supply Chain

Job Summary: The Sr. Buyer at Sun Test Systems, Inc. is responsible for sourcing and procuring goods and services that meet the company's quality, cost, and delivery requirements. This role communicates with vendors, reviews requisitions, negotiates pricing and contracts, and ensures timely delivery of materials. The Sr. Buyer maintains accurate procurement records, resolves issues with defective goods, monitors market trends, and coordinates with manufacturers for custom items. Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills are essential to support efficient and cost-effective purchasing operations.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Communicates with vendors to obtain product or service information, such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.Receives and reviews requisitions requesting goods and services.Selects products for purchase by testing, observing, or examining items.Estimates values according to knowledge of market price.Determines method of procurement, such as direct purchase or bid.Prepare purchase orders or bid requests.Reviews bid proposals and negotiate contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.Maintains procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories.Discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action.Keeps abreast of market trends, changes in business practices in the assigned markets, new or altered types of materials entering the market, etc.May work with manufacturers or persuade potential vendors to undertake the manufacturing of custom-designed items according to user's specific needs and specifications.May approve invoices for payment.May expedite delivery of goods to users.Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
Must be a U.S. citizen or legal ability to work in the US and meet any other federal program requirements.A general/working knowledge of MS Office products is required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with a proven ability to create and maintain positive working relationships with vendors, suppliers, shippers, and customers. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Operations Management, or equivalent from a technical school in a related field.Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.5+ years of proven experience in sourcing, procurement, and strategic negotiations.
Preferred Knowledge and Experience
Hydraulic systems and componentsMetal Fabrication/MachiningInternational sourcingDepartment of Defense (DOD) experience
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Must be a US citizen and meet any other federal program requirements.
The above statements reflect general details necessary for the performance of the job and are not to be considered an all-inclusive list. Sun Test Systems, Inc. is a federal contractor and EEOC/Title VII/ADA compliant employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.