IN PERSON POSITION ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Vendor Selection and Management  Evaluate competencies of existing and prospective suppliers based on capacities, capabilities, cost, and quality.  Monitor cost and quality of materials, products, and services provided by suppliers.  Develop and measure key performance indicators to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of suppliers.  Maintain Supplier Scorecard and communicate performance criteria and results to suppliers.  Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to identify and communicate corrective actions to resolve supplier performance/quality issues and follow up on implementation of same by supplier.  Coordinate First Article inspection and review process with Manufacturing Engineering. Operational  Create and distribute purchase orders as required.  Work directly with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure suppliers understand Company requirements and deliverables.  Experience in sourcing of mechanical components such as sheet metal and machined components.  Ensure timely purchase and receipt of components, products, and services, associated with the monthly Production Build Plan.  Establish delivery schedules, monitor progress, and communicate with suppliers to resolve issues.  Develop new and redundant supply sources as required.  Negotiate agreements, including pricing, delivery, packaging, and specifications with suppliers to effectively manage sourcing and procurement of material.  Support Engineering/R&D/Marketing projects.  Assist in make/buy (outsource vs insource) decisions.  Work with Materials and Accounting groups in returning discrepant material to suppliers.  Ensure follow up on all purchase orders and escalation with suppliers of any quality or delivery related issues and exceptions. Proactively manage supplier delivery schedules and communicate pertinent issues regarding supplier delivery schedules and/or raw materials availability issues to appropriate internal Operations personnel.  Routinely update Operations personnel regarding changes in delivery schedules that may affect them. QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, or related field.  5 - 7 years progressive experience in a Corporate Purchasing role; Manufacturing background required.  Knowledge of appropriate tools for analyzing, evaluating and assessing materials, equipment, supplies, services or other commodities.  Ability to understand mechanical drawings.  ERP/MRP user experience.  Knowledge of Manufacturing methods and procedures.  Ability to establish relationships with internal customers and external business partners.  Strong negotiating, communication, and customer service skills.  Demonstrated understanding of integrated supply chain and logistics concepts.  Demonstrated experience and assertiveness in managing supplier relationships with the ability to assess and mitigate risks.  Actively develops and proposes solutions to mitigate supply chain interruptions and issues.  Continued development of Supply Chain knowledge through continuing education.  Ability to see the “big picture” with a solid grasp of strategic concepts associated with Supply Chain reliability and performance.