Material Buyer

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Technical Directions Inc. (TDI), a Business Unit within the Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, specializes in small, low-cost turbojet engine systems. TDI has assembled a team of subject matter experts in various disciplines capable of addressing all aspects related to small turbine engines. This strategy allows TDI to have the engineering depth typical of a much larger entity, while retaining the low-cost attributes and agile response found only in a small company. TDIis experience encompasses all aspects of turbine engines, from clean-sheet design, through performance testing, vehicle integration, flight testing, and production manufacturing. The TDI team is growing rapidly as demand for small engines continues to increase. i

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Material Buyer ensures a consistent supply of materials for manufacturing operations and supports the companyis supply chain by procuring and scheduling cost-effective, high-quality materials. This role collaborates closely with Production Planners, Program Managers, and Engineers to meet supplier quality standards and achieve customer delivery goals. Responsibilities include the precise and timely management of purchase orders for assigned commodities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships to meet company objectives, including scheduling, reducing lead times, improving quality, ensuring reliable delivery performance, and securing favorable pricing.
• Solicit and evaluate competitive bids as necessary.
• Research and evaluate potential suppliers, including reviewing viability data such as surveys and ISO certifications.
• Maintain and update supplier records and ensure accurate data within the ERP (Costpoint) system.
• Monitor MRP exceptions, purchase order statuses, and order action reports, taking corrective actions as needed.
• Participate in meetings with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Adhere to established QMS procedures.
• Identify and propose opportunities for process improvements.
• Resolve material price variances and collaborate with engineering teams to identify and approve alternatives for obsolete components.
• Ensure the timely delivery of materials to support manufacturing operations.
• Maintain accurate purchasing documentation and supplier information, including lead times, minimum order quantities, and other relevant details.
• Manage multiple priorities and adjust to shifting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Other Job Functions

• Assist management, colleagues, and the finance team in resolving related issues.
• Provide support to other Material Buyers as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality as required by government standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with peers, supervisors, and suppliers.
• Proficiency in managing multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a strong grasp of grammar.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Knowledge of supply chain processes and familiarity with manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge/familiarization with government FAR/DFAR flowdowns as they relate to the purchasing function preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in materials management or purchasing within a related industry.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Experience with MRP systems; APICS certification preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes strongly preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and production environments.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Perform repetitive motions, such as typing, using a mouse, phone handling, or 10-key operation.
• Adaptability to work in a rapidly changing environment with multiple deadlines.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALSiASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT AREiINCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY.i THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES

EEO/M/F/D/V

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