Buyer/Senior Buyer

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Job description

Description

FlightAware has built the world's leading aviation platform, processing over 180 million incoming messages an hour from over 33,000 ADS-B receivers and growing-to provide the best, most complete, and most accurate real-time flight tracking services in the industry. We are proud to have built a wide variety of successful hardware products that have become central to the aviation industry at large.

As the Buyer for the ADS-B Department you will be responsible for procuring components and equipment for FlightAware hardware, globally. This critical role will help build and maintain the largest network of ADS-B receivers in the world.

Evaluate technology needs and procure essential technology products. Ensure purchases remain within budget and on schedule. Manage inventory levels and receive requisitions, checking each item for quantity, specifications, and delivery requirements. Develop and investigate supply sources, and issue request proposals, quotations, or bids for those items not covered by any existing purchasing agreement. Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment. Support manufacturing operations as needed. Business acumen with advanced documentation and workflow experience is critical.

Regardless of role, we expect excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all hires at FlightAware. We look for candidates who will thrive here, meaning they demonstrate clear communication, embrace open feedback, trust their colleagues, and are driven to execute, deliver, and complete projects independently and efficiently.

Although FlightAware works largely as a distributed workforce, this position will be an in-office role at our annex site, which is located near 610 & I-10 (west side of the loop) in Houston, Texas.

Requirements

• 2+ years of relevant and applicable experience.
• 6+ years of demonstrated experience in order to be considered for Senior Buyer level.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Buying/planning/inventory control experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal/written) effectively with customers, suppliers, and all employees.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cooperative and team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated analytical and planning skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Negotiation experience.
• Ability to drive savings.
• Ability to work on your feet for 50% of your time and the capacity to lift 40 pounds.
• Flexibility of work hours when working with global suppliers

Ideal candidates will have:

• Experience working with overseas suppliers
• Fluent in Mandarin (very nice to have, but not required)

Responsibilities

• Places orders for materials, equipment, operating supplies, involving high financial risk.
• Selects capable and competitive suppliers based on quality, delivery, service, and total cost objectives.
• Applies proper terms and conditions.
• Anticipates and identifies problems, develops alternative solutions, and selects and implements appropriate solutions; communicates major problems to management.
• Administers purchasing per established purchasing procedure.
• Establishes material contracts consistent with cost, schedule, inventory, and quality requirements.
• Develops and negotiates long term annual contracts and agreements using proper terms and conditions.
• Administers and ensures compliance to contract terms and conditions.
• Seeks guidance and approval of supervisor before company resources are committed beyond authorized limits.
• Participates in and provides leadership role for the research of materials for new products.
• Ensure the delivery of materials, equipment or services to meet production schedules.
• Places orders for materials that are identified as "Specials" which have no pricing and/or suppliers established.
• Develops forecasts and schedules for product models.
• Has extensive contact with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery of acceptable product and resolve issues; expedite material as requested by the Customer Service and/or Production groups
• Completes the necessary paperwork and communicates to appropriate personnel when returns, repairs, exchanges, or credits are required.
• Updates purchasing database information in an accurate and timely manner.
• Updates supplier lead-times.
• Supports company objectives in areas of quality, delivery, inventory, and cost.
• Reports supplier quality and delivery performance.
• Provides price and availability forecasts.
• Works with Accounts Payable to correct purchase order/receipt discrepancies.
• Actively seeks alternative processes, suppliers, and materials to minimize cost and ensure delivery and quality requirements are met.
• May perform complex duties in order to maximize the effectiveness of the assigned work group.
• Maintains conduct consistent with company policy, accepted practice and applicable Federal and State regulations.
• Supports Manufacturing and Logistics operations as needed.

Work Location

• In-office position, work to be performed at annex site located near 610 & I-10 (West part of the loop) in Houston, Texas
• Remote work is not currently offered and available for this role
• Applicants must live in the greater Houston area
• Must have current work authorization for any employer in the US and not require sponsorship now or in the future

Compensation

• Title and salary commensurate based on incumbent experience and background
• Eligibility for performance-based bonuses
• Matching 401(k)
• Company-paid employee medical, dental and basic life/AD&D insurance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
FlightAware is taking action to address the increased risk and uncertainty COVID variants pose in the workplace. All newly hired employees in the United States are required to be fully vaccinated and present proof of vaccination before their start date.

Work Location: One location