Senior Buyer Procurement Specialist

Ward Leonard, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is an industry-leading provider of electric motor, generator, control, and service solutions critical to Naval applications for more than 120 years. Located in Thomaston, Connecticut, Ward Leonard has worked hard to build a reputation as being a trusted name in powering the defense industry. This trust within the market is not possible without the continued hard work, commitment, and dedication of our team who respect the importance of what we do and the impact it has on the servicemen and women.


Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense, it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers


Job Title: Senior Buyer/Procurement Specialist

Location: Thomaston, CT
Department: Supply Chain / Procurement
Reports To: Supply Chain Manager
Employment Type: Full-time

This position will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring materials, components, and services to support manufacturing efforts. This role requires strict attention to compliance with U.S. government contracting regulations, supplier performance standards, and quality assurance requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage the full procurement lifecycle, from supplier selection and RFQ/RFP issuance to purchase order creation, tracking, and delivery follow-up.

Source and qualify suppliers that meet Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and ITAR requirements, where required.

Develop supplier relationships and manage supplier performance via regular check-ins and site visits.

Perform cost analysis and negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to achieve best value while maintaining compliance with company and government regulations.

Collaborate with operations/administrative teams to ensure timely procurement of materials that support budget goals and adhere to technical/quality specifications.

Manage supplier performance, delivery schedules, and quality metrics, resolving issues proactively to minimize production delays.

Maintain accurate procurement documentation for audits and contract compliance.

Support cost-reduction initiatives and continuous improvement programs within the supply chain function.

Ensure adherence to ethical standards, export control requirements, and corporate purchasing policies.

Provide mentoring and training for less experienced team members.

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Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Minimum 3–5 years of experience in procurement or purchasing, preferably in a defense, aerospace, or regulated manufacturing environment.

Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government contracting processes.
Ability to understand engineering drawings and specifications.

Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.

Experience with ERP/MRP systems (INFOR Visual, Oracle).

Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

Ability to organize and manage large amounts of data from various sources. Experience with AI tools a plus.

Willingness to travel up to 15%.

U.S. citizenship required (due to government contract and export control regulations).

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What We Offer:

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Opportunity to contribute to critical national defense programs.

Supportive, mission-driven work environment.

Career development and advancement opportunities within a growing defense manufacturing organization.


Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled