Senior Indirect Buyer

The future of aerospace and defense starts here. 

Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands. 

Ursa Major is looking for a detail-oriented and proactive, Senior Indirect Buyer to support sourcing, negotiating, and procuring capital equipment, facilities-related purchases, services, software, and other indirect materials required to support company operations. This role partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities, Digital Operations, Finance, and Operations to ensure indirect purchases are completed on time, at the best total cost of ownership, and in compliance with company purchasing policies.  

The ideal candidate is highly organized, commercially minded, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where priorities change frequently. This individual will develop strategic supplier relationships, lead competitive sourcing activities, negotiate favorable commercial terms, and manage the procurement lifecycle from requests through purchase order issuance and supplier delivery. We prefer that you are comfortable using modern ERP systems, MS Office suite, project management software, and have excellent communication skills.   

This position is available in our Berthoud, Colorado or Youngstown, Ohio facilities. 

Responsibilities  

• Lead sourcing and procurement activities for capital equipment. 
• Partner with stakeholders to define technical and commercial requirements.  
• Execute RFIs/RFQs/RFPs, evaluate supplier proposals, negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, warranties, and service agreements. 
• Coordinate equipment purchases through installation and acceptance.  
• Manage procurement activities for indirect spend categories including: 
  • Manufacturing support equipment 
  • Facilities supplies and services 
  • Office equipment and furniture  
  • Digital Operations hardware, software, and licensing  
  • Calibration 
  • PPE and safety equipment 
  • Others as needed  
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.  
• Monitor supplier performance including delivery, responsiveness, pricing, and service levels.  
• Resolve supplier issues proactively, including any issues related to price discrepancies, delayed shipments, or damaged goods. 
• Ensure purchasing documentation is accurate and complete.  
• Identify cost saving and purchasing consolidation opportunities. 
• Proactively communicate updates to the leadership group.  

Required Qualifications  

• 4+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain, preferably in a manufacturing environment (aerospace experience is a plus).   
• Experience purchasing capital equipment or indirect materials.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.  
• Excellent communication and project management skills.  
• Experience working in the Federal Government regulatory environment (i.e. understands FAR and DFAR procurement requirements and how they impact suppliers).  
• Experience with modern ERP systems (Odoo knowledge is a plus).  
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Aerospace, defense, automotive, or advanced manufacturing experience.
• Experience negotiating service agreements and equipment contracts.
• Familiarity with CapEx budgeting processes.
• Experience with strategic sourcing methodologies.  
• Understanding of manufacturing operations and production environments.  

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $90,000 - $111,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. 

Classification: Full-time Exempt