Buyer

St. Johns Ship Building is seeking a detail-oriented Buyer to support procurement activities within the shipyard. The Buyer is responsible for sourcing materials, equipment, and services while ensuring cost-effective purchasing, timely delivery, and compliance with company policies and contractual requirements. This position works closely with Production, Engineering, Program Management, and Warehouse personnel to support vessel construction schedules.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Procure materials, equipment, and services required for shipbuilding operations.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier quotes to ensure the best value in quality, price, and delivery.
• Issue purchase orders and monitor order status from placement through delivery.
• Maintain communication with vendors regarding pricing, lead times, shipping, and order discrepancies.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Production, and Project Managers to ensure materials are available to meet production schedules.
• Resolve purchasing issues including shortages, damaged shipments, backorders, and invoice discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers while identifying new sourcing opportunities.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist in replenishment planning.
• Support government contract requirements by ensuring procurement activities comply with applicable regulations and documentation requirements.
• Assist with cost-saving initiatives and continuous process improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS/ EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in shipbuilding, manufacturing, marine, or industrial environments.
• Experience purchasing steel, aluminum, marine equipment, electrical components, or industrial supplies is preferred.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP purchasing systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Experience supporting government or Department of Defense contracts is a plus.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Understanding of shipbuilding materials, fabrication processes, and production workflows.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and material specifications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple departments.

COMPETENCY STATEMENT

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Applied Learning - Ability to participate in needed learning activities in a way that makes the most of the learning experience.
• Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.
• Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one's conduct.
• Safety Awareness - Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.
• Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
• Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.
• Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem.
• Judgment - The ability to formulate a sound decision using the available information.