A leading manufacturing company seeks an experienced Purchasing Agent to manage the procurement of raw materials, finished goods, components, supplies, and services to support production. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information), DPASS, and cybersecurity standards, alongside proficiency in regulated purchasing processes, AS9100 Rev. D Quality Management System, and ERP/MRP systems like Epicor Vantage.

This role ensures materials meet cost targets, are delivered on time, comply with quality standards, and include traceability/documentation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement and Material Management:

• Procure raw materials, components, and services per production and customer needs.
• Use Epicor Vantage or similar systems to manage MRP demand, inventory, lead times, and purchase orders.
• Issue and maintain POs with accurate pricing, quantities, and delivery terms; proactively expedite critical materials.
• Balance inventory levels to prevent excess stock, shortages, or obsolete materials.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Ensure purchasing follows AS9100 Rev. D standards and company policies.
• Communicate traceability, certification, and quality requirements to suppliers.
• Manage and confirm receipt of necessary documentation, including Certificates of Conformance, material certifications, and test reports.
• Collaborate with Quality to resolve issues such as nonconformance, missing documentation, and supplier corrective actions.

Supplier Management:

• Build and maintain reliable supplier relationships focusing on quality, cost, and delivery.
• Evaluate supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms.
• Identify alternate suppliers to mitigate risks for critical or single-source materials.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics, including on-time delivery and quality.
• Resolve issues such as shipment discrepancies, shortages, or damaged goods.

Technical & Materials Expertise:

• Procure technical materials, including rubber, elastomers, adhesives, engineered plastics, gasketing materials, and EMI shielding products.
• Review material specifications, drawings, and requirements; collaborate with Engineering or Quality for clarifications.

Cybersecurity & CUI Management:

• Adhere to CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) standards and company cybersecurity policies.
• Safeguard and transmit CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) according to protocols.
• Use approved systems for secure communication of purchase details with suppliers.
• Complete cybersecurity training and report potential data security issues.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Production: Ensure materials are available to avoid delays.
• Quality/Engineering: Address specification/documentation issues and supplier quality concerns.
• Customer Service: Provide accurate material availability and lead time information.
• Receiving/Accounting: Resolve shipment discrepancies, certifications, and invoice or PO issues.

Key Requirements

Must-Have Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in purchasing/procurement (preferably in manufacturing).
• Proven knowledge of CUI, DPASS, and cybersecurity compliance.
• Expertise in purchasing raw materials and finished goods in regulated environments.
• Strong ERP/MRP skills, preferably Epicor Vantage, and analytic abilities.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, certificates, and supplier documentation.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with AS9100 Rev. D-certified environments or in aerospace/defense industries.
• Familiarity with controlled materials (e.g., ASTM, MIL, AMS specifications).
• Knowledge of gasket materials, elastomers, adhesives, and EMI shielding products.
• Experience with certificates like CoCs, lot traceability, and compliance documentation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.