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Buyer IV

The Buyer IV is a senior-level procurement professional responsible for leading complex sourcing initiatives, developing supplier strategies, and ensuring continuity of supply for critical materials and services. This role provides advanced procurement expertise, mentors junior team members, and partners closely with leadership to drive cost savings, supplier performance, and operational efficiency. The Buyer IV demonstrates a high degree of independence, initiative, and judgment in executing procurement strategy while maintaining compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements

Who are we?

Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California. Starting as a hardware supply store during the California Gold Rush and eventually assisted in the birth of the aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace pioneers like Lindbergh, Douglas and Lockheed.

Today Ducommun is a global provider of innovative manufacturing solutions for customers in the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. We specialize in electronic and structural systems, producing complex products and components for commercial aircraft platforms, mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial applications.

Our Facility in Carson, CA is our Engineered Products Group location, which houses our Human Machine Interface, Motion Control Device, Radiofrequency Departments.

Job Summary

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

Required Skills and Qualifications

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.

Required Experience and Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).

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.

Licenses, Certifications, etc.

Professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CPIM, PMP) preferred.

Base Compensation: USD 104,000.00 - 120,000.00 Paid Salaried

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled

23301 S. Wilmington Ave

Carson, California, 90745

United States