Ducommun Incorporated · 2 months ago
Sr. Buyer
Carson, CA, US
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$104K/yr - $120K/yr
7+ years expDucommun Incorporated is the oldest company in California, providing innovative manufacturing solutions in the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. The Sr. Buyer is responsible for leading complex sourcing initiatives, developing supplier strategies, and ensuring continuity of supply for critical materials and services while mentoring junior team members and driving cost savings.
AerospaceElectronicsIndustrial EngineeringManufacturing
Responsibilities
Lead negotiations for high-value, complex contracts including long-term supplier agreements, strategic partnerships, and multi-year commitments
Develop and implement supplier management strategies, including performance scorecards, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives
Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to ensure competitive cost, quality, and delivery performance
Drive cost-reduction and value-improvement initiatives across the supply base
Analyze market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks to inform procurement strategies and decisions
Develop and oversee category management strategies for key spend areas
Resolve escalated supplier issues related to quality, delivery, or commercial disputes
Manage procurement activities that directly impact company profitability, including material cost forecasting and budget planning
Maintains documentation of all activities related to requisitions, quotations, and purchases
Reviews requisitions, purchase orders, PRP generated orders for accuracy and conformance with established policies and procedures
Confers with individuals who submit requisitions to determine needs and delivery schedules
Utilizes integrated ERP system to perform transactions for creating purchase orders, purchase order changes, inquiries, printing reports, entering of data, resolving exceptions, and any other functions as trained and instructed
Consults catalogs, Internet, Sr. Buyer, and other sources of information to find sources of supply, obtain prices and specifications. Investigates potential suppliers and recommends those most desirable
Verifies invoices from suppliers with purchase orders and approves invoices for payment
Resolves any discrepancies
Reviews purchase order claims and follows through on their resolution
Establishes good vendor relations and serves as a liaison between company and suppliers for resolution of problems. Evaluates vendor performance
Contacts vendors, place orders, verifies that supplier or product is approved, if necessary, negotiates price, negotiates delivery schedule and payment terms and other conditions
Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to Buyers I–III, supporting their professional development and procurement effectiveness
Serve as acting lead in the absence of the Purchasing Manager, ensuring departmental goals and priorities are met
Lead cross-functional sourcing teams to align procurement activities with company objectives
Monitor procurement activities of Buyers and Jr. Buyers, direct and help them as needed, and assist with their training and development
Qualification
Required
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows 365) and experience with integrated ERP systems
Ability to learn and adapt to new software, reports, and system functions with minimal assistance
Strong verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information in group settings, provide instruction to Buyers and Jr. Buyers, and communicate clearly and effectively both in person and by phone
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft memos, vendor correspondence, policies, and procedures, as well as accurately record and organize information
Ability to read, interpret, and apply procurement laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and contractual terms and conditions
Sound judgment in vendor selection and quote evaluation, considering factors beyond price
Comprehensive knowledge of standard purchasing practices, procurement regulations, market conditions, and sources of supply
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a commitment to accurate record-keeping and timely documentation
Self-motivated with the ability to meet deadlines and work independently with minimal supervision
Demonstrated professionalism, ethics, and tact in interactions with vendors and internal stakeholders
Willingness to travel as needed
Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining accuracy and professionalism
Strong mathematical and analytical skills, including proficiency in arithmetic computations, unit-of-measure conversions, and applying discounts and taxes
Thorough understanding of inventory procedures, controls, and the relationship between procurement and inventory management
Proven supervisory and leadership experience with the ability to train, mentor, and guide procurement staff
Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Team-oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement
Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across all levels of the organization
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related field
7+ years of progressive procurement or supply chain experience, including strategic sourcing and supplier management
Demonstrated experience leading negotiations and managing complex supplier relationships
Strong knowledge of ERP systems and advanced proficiency in data analysis and reporting
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Preferred
Master's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related field
Professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CPIM, PMP)
Company
Ducommun Incorporated
Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$724.4M2025-11-24Post Ipo Debt· $650M
2023-05-15Post Ipo Equity· $74.4M
1978-01-13IPO
Leadership Team
Stephen Oswald
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Chris Wampler
Advisor to the CFO
Recent News
Ducommun Incorporated
2025-12-02
Company data provided by crunchbase