• This Senior Buyer role will support a purchasing category for Navigation Sensor Systems in Cedar Rapids, IA • Lead the development and execution of strategic sourcing plans for critical commodities, identifying, qualifying, and onboarding new suppliers to optimize cost, resilience, and innovation • Drive supplier performance and continuous improvement through proactive engagement, rigorous data analysis, implementation of supplier scorecards, and targeted corrective action plans throughout the life cycle of procured materials and services • Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks developing and implementing robust contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted supply and minimize disruptions • Foster collaborative relationships with key suppliers resolving issues, proactively expediting deliveries, and ensuring alignment with evolving business needs • Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement leading projects and initiatives across the supply base to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness • Leverage AI and AI-enabled tools and data analytics to improve sourcing efficiency, supplier performance visibility, cost analysis, and procurement decision-making, while ensuring outputs are reviewed, validated, and applied consistent with company policies, contractual obligations, and compliance requirements • Maintain proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and supplier portals streamlining communication, tracking performance, and ensuring data integrity for informed decision-making • Demonstrate a proactive approach to problem solving, taking ownership, leveraging technical excellence, and driving innovative solutions to complex supply chain challenges • Demonstrate technical capability to communicate effectively with design / component engineering on quality improvement topics and cost reduction / design change opportunities both internally and within the supply base • Exhibit good interpersonal skills to grow supplier relationships to support our business needs • Identify and collaborate with internal stakeholders and suppliers to introduce new and innovative technologies and processes to improve margins and service delivery • Monitor and evaluate global markets trends, intervene to manage/mitigate the impact of supply shortfalls or price adjustments, or market opportunities • Drives strategic initiatives, manages and fully executes the RFQ process, analyzes supplier bids and makes sourcing decisions • Works closely with Sourcing Category Manager to place parts on LTSA to gain cost reductions and drive on time delivery • Identify second sources to enhance BAE Systems resiliency • Further the development and implementation of long-term strategic projects and engage in a high degree of collaboration and communication with commodity managers, tactical buyers and other integrated supply chain areas • Ability to analyze forecasted data and suppliers’ bids • Ensure appropriate cost or price analysis is performed to determine the reasonableness of the suppliers’ bid or to develop a negotiation position to ensure that all compliance documentation requirements are met • Responsible for the prompt closeout of completed orders. • Maintains a safe work environment and ensures compliance with safety objectives and policies. • Shares responsibility of self-development with immediate supervisor