Senior Buyer

Purchasing  ·  On-site   · Chatsworth, CA

EMS / PCBA  ·  Electronic Components  ·  Epicor ERP / MRP  ·  Supplier Negotiation  ·  Shortage Management  ·  AVL  ·  ITAR / EAR  ·  Customer Focus Team

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Senior Buyer to procure the electronic components and related materials that support PCBA production, ensuring parts are accurately sourced, ordered, and delivered to meet build schedules and customer commitments. You will work closely with Project Management, Planning, Engineering, Quality, Receiving, and Production, and interface directly with external customers and suppliers to keep orders on schedule and meet all delivery commitments. As a key member of the Customer Focus Team supporting high-profile accounts, you will manage procurement for assigned customer accounts and bring strong ownership, attention to detail, sound negotiation skills, and clear, professional communication.

Location & Eligibility

This position is based in Chatsworth, CA. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents per ITAR requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Purchasing & Material Availability

• Source and purchase electronic components and related materials in accordance with customer Bills of Materials (BOMs), build schedules, and committed ship dates
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders (POs) in Avalir’s Epicor ERP system, ensuring accuracy of part numbers, revisions, quantities, pricing, and delivery dates
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and delivery commitments with suppliers, distributors, and franchised vendors to achieve cost, quality, and schedule targets
• Review MRP demand and planning signals to determine purchasing requirements and place timely orders that align material availability with production needs
• Manage the open PO backlog, confirm order acknowledgements, and expedite or de-expedite deliveries as needed to support changing demand
• Identify and pursue cost-reduction opportunities, alternate sources, and last-time/end-of-life (EOL) buys while maintaining approved vendor and component requirements
• Proactively identify and resolve electronic component shortages, including recommending expedites, alternates, or substitutions when appropriate
• Track and drive Last Part In (LPI) to ensure all materials are available to support on-time delivery
• Use Epicor ERP/MRP and planning tools to forecast potential material and capacity constraints and recommend purchasing solutions (e.g., buffer stock, alternate sourcing, or schedule adjustments)
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships and support the Approved Vendor List (AVL), monitoring supplier performance for quality, delivery, and responsiveness

Customer & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Interface directly with external customers as a key procurement contact, providing material status and supporting their delivery commitments
• Team closely with Project/Program Management to align purchasing activity with program milestones, customer priorities, and committed ship dates
• Participate in weekly customer and internal meetings, providing clear updates on material availability, PO status, and component lead times; provide timely status to Project Managers, Planners, and other stakeholders
• Operate as a key contributing member of the Customer Focus Team, collaborating with Program Management, Planning, Production, Engineering, Receiving, Stockroom, and Document Control
• Partner with Receiving to ensure incoming materials are processed, inspected, and made available in time to support production schedules
• Coordinate with Document Control to ensure customer part numbers and revisions are correctly set up in the system and aligned with customer BOMs
• Work with Quality to address supplier-related holds, inspections, or nonconformances that may impact material availability or delivery schedules, and manage supplier corrective actions as needed

STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE FRAMEWORKS

ITAR / EAR  ·  Approved Vendor List (AVL)  ·  Counterfeit Mitigation  ·  Part Number & Revision Control  ·  Supplier Corrective Action  ·  End-of-Life (EOL) Management

PERFORMANCE MEASURES OWNED

On-Time Material Delivery  ·  Last Part In (LPI)  ·  Component Shortages  ·  Open PO Backlog  ·  PO Accuracy  ·  Cost Reduction  ·  Supplier Quality, Delivery & Responsiveness

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education High school diploma or equivalent	Experience 6+ years as an electronics buyer, purchasing agent, or procurement specialist; manufacturing industry experience, contract manufacturing preferred
Systems & Tools Strong, hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems (Epicor highly preferred); advanced Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, data analysis)	Commercial & Communication Skills Demonstrated negotiation, sourcing, and supplier management skills; communicates effectively with cross-functional teams and external customers; thrives in a fast-paced, high-mix, high-change environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Certifications Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or a related field; APICS (CPIM/CSCP) or ISM (CPSM) certification	Industry & Compliance EMS/PCBA procurement experience strongly preferred; familiarity with aerospace/defense supply chain requirements (e.g., ITAR/EAR)
Component & Technical Expertise Working knowledge of electronic component types, datasheets, and franchised distribution channels; able to read and interpret assembly drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs)	Supply Risk Management Experience managing component shortages, allocations, end-of-life (EOL), and counterfeit-mitigation processes

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

BASE SALARY $78,000 – $85,000/YR

LOCATION Chatsworth, CA

REPORTS TO Purchasing Manager

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Quarterly performance bonus tied to business and personal objectives
• 401(k) with company match
• Excellent support of professional development
• PTO

Avalir is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or California law. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact m.ordonez@avalir.com