Purchasing Agent

Sonaca North America is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. As a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, we are dedicated to making air and space travel safe and sustainable. We have 10 locations across North America and our engineering expertise and operational excellence set us apart from the competition.

Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and services that are reliable, safe, and efficient. Our team of experts is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the aerospace and defense industry, utilizing the latest technologies and processes to ensure that we deliver the best possible solutions to our customers.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are currently seeking a Purchasing Agent- Corporate. This position is responsible for coordinating activities involved with the purchase of various products and services. The commodities include subcontract aircraft parts, tooling, raw material, outside processes, Maintenance and Repair Operations (MRO) supplies, capital equipment or other items identified by management.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify, evaluate and develop sources for a variety of products
• Prepare Request for Quotation (RFQ's) to obtain competitive bids from approved sources
• Evaluate and negotiate supplier proposals
• Review and evaluate product quality, supplier qualifications, manufacturing capability, lead time, contractual issues and cost
• Provide cost and lead time information provided by supplier to appropriate individuals at Sonaca North America
• Perform planning and forecasting, and risk assessment activities to support long lead purchases and including transmittal to customers and suppliers when required
• Perform obsolescence review and make disposition recommendations
• Prepare purchase orders, contracts and award justification documents
• Evaluate requirements and determine appropriate purchasing methods
• Negotiate specific contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority
• Develop strategic supplier relationships while serving as primary liaison with suppliers
• Ensure suppliers are provided necessary information, tooling and materials
• Maintain related purchasing records such as: items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance and inventories
• Address supplier disputes and performance deficiencies
• Monitor and control supplier delivery performance
• Develop and utilize Supplier Management “Best Practices” to proactively manage suppliers
• Monitor and control inventory levels and spend consistent with management’s strategic plan
• Discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, suppliers and others to determine cause and take or recommend corrective action
• Provide management with market intelligence as appropriate
• Approve appropriate invoices for payment
• Expedite delivery of goods to users
• Visit supplier facilities as required
• Maintain liaison with internal departments and/or personnel
• Provide feedback regarding the progress of orders, including delays and reason for same
• Participate in the development of recovery schedules
• Update critical shortage lists
• Support other commodity areas within the department as required
• Participate in improvement processes inside & external to the department

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in procurement/supply chain in a manufacturing environment or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Aerospace industry knowledge, MRP/ERP systems experience and knowledge of industry suppliers and product/manufacturing capabilities are all preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, possess strong negotiating skills and be highly ethical with strong integrity. Active use of value-based decision making practices is necessary.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities and shifting time requirements. Must be able to promote a participative, team oriented environment, working with customers (both internal and external), subordinates, other employees, vendors and all others in a professional and respectful manner.
• Excellent communication skills and be able to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical materials and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, work instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, employees and vendors.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to compile and present data in a format that facilitates information sharing and decision making.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts including, but not limited to probability and statistical inference.     

Why Choose Sonaca North America?

We take care of our people.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a percentage company-match contribution
• Competitive wages
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental insurance
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Employee assistance plan — for access to counseling, consulting and other community resources
• Wellness program

• Tuition assistance

Subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be required. This document does not create an employment contract. Employees of the Company are employed on an “at will” basis and may be terminated at any time.

Sonaca North America is an equal employment opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, Sonaca North America provides access and opportunities to those with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who seek to access the company’s online application system. If an applicant is unable to fully access the online application system, Sonaca North America will provide a reasonable accommodation. Applicants with disabilities may contact us at 636-916-2400 for assistance accessing the on-line application system. Callers should have a detailed description of the requested accommodation, their name and preferred method of contact ready for Sonaca North America‘s Human Resources Department. Sonaca North America will make every effort to respond within two (2) business days. This phone number is not for the general submission of application materials.

Sonaca North America is an E-Verify Employer.

Sonaca North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans Employer

NOTICE ON FRAUDULENT JOB OFFERS

It has been brought to our attention that there have been instances of fraudulent job offers, purporting to be from Sonaca North America and/or its affiliates (“LMI Aerospace”).

This type of fraud is normally carried out through online services such as false websites, or through fake e-mails or call from people claiming to be from the company. These persons offer fraudulent employment opportunities to applicants and often ask for sensitive personal and financial information.  The fraudsters may also request recipients to provide personal information and/or to make payments as part of their fake recruiting process. 

Sonaca North America does not ask for any financial commitments from candidates as a pre-employment requirement and will always require candidates to formally apply for positions via the Careers Page or job postings.

Sonaca North America has no responsibility for fraudulent offers and if you believe you have been a victim of a fraudulent job offer concerning Sonaca North America, please email info@sonaca-na.com.