Senior Buyer MRO

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior MRO Buyer will oversee end-to-end procurement of MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) supplies, with a strong focus on sourcing obsolete or hard-to-find parts to minimize equipment downtime. This role requires expert-level supplier networks, advanced quoting skills, and the ability to locate discontinued components while optimizing costs and inventory.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES.

• Obsolete Parts Sourcing: Identify alternative suppliers, aftermarket solutions, or refurbished parts for discontinued components. Work with engineering/maintenance to approve substitute parts without compromising safety/performance. Build a network of specialty vendors (brokers, liquidators, OEM archives).
• Strategic MRO Procurement: Lead competitive bidding (RFQ/RFP) and negotiate long-term contracts. Implement cost-saving initiatives (VMI, supplier consolidation).
• Supplier & Inventory Management: Audit supplier performance (quality, lead time, obsolescence support). Reduce excess/obsolete (E&O) inventory through demand forecasting.
• Emergency Procurement: Quickly secure critical spares during unplanned breakdowns.

• 7+ years in MRO procurement (manufacturing, industrial, or plant maintenance).
• Proven expertise in sourcing obsolete/discontinued parts (e.g., legacy machinery components, out-of-stock electrical parts).
• Strong RFQ/RFP experience with a track record of cost negotiation & supplier development.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Proficiency in English, able to present information to internal stockholders.

• Mastery of obsolete parts sourcing strategies (alternate suppliers, aftermarket solutions, reverse engineering partners).
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and procurement tools.
• Advanced data analysis & spend reporting (Excel, Power BI).

• Ability to locate and validate obsolete parts (working with OEMs, brokers, and specialty distributors).
• Experience in inventory optimization & risk mitigation for aging equipment.
• Knowledge of MRO categories (bearings, motors, pneumatics, safety supplies).

• Certifications: CPSM, CPSD, APICS.
• Experience with industrial marketplaces (ThomasNet, PartTarget, GoVets, eBay Business).
• Knowledge of reverse engineering & 3D printing for obsolete parts. Familiarity with military/aviation surplus channels (if applicable).

• Resourceful problem-solver (ability to hunt down rare parts under time pressure). Strong negotiator (can secure fair pricing for hard-to-find items). Collaborative (works with engineering to validate substitute parts).