Manufacturing Procurement Specialist - Aerospace #2812

On behalf of our client, an expanding aerospace-focused manufacturing operation based in Cincinnati, we are seeking a procurement professional to drive the sourcing, purchasing, and procurement of electromechanical equipment, technical parts, and manufactured components.

This is a practical, fully onsite procurement position centered on supplier sourcing, quote evaluation, purchase order administration, supplier delivery performance, and cross-functional support of the production floor. Working hand in hand with both suppliers and internal teams, the successful candidate will make sure materials arrive on schedule, satisfy customer and quality standards, and align with cost, delivery, and compliance goals.

This role goes well beyond transactional purchasing. The ideal candidate brings proven experience sourcing technical or manufactured components, managing supplier relationships, operating ERP systems, tracking supplier KPIs, and working within an ISO-governed manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Raise, record, update, and monitor purchase orders inside the ERP system.
• Adhere to established processes and procedures that sustain ISO certification.
• Collect and assess supplier quotations, examining cost structures, lead times, quality, and overall vendor capability.
• Procure electromechanical equipment, technical components, manufactured parts, tooling, and associated materials.
• Partner with other departments to clear nonconformities and uphold customer and contractual obligations.
• Compile and circulate monthly supplier KPI reporting.
• Run or take part in weekly delivery review meetings with priority suppliers.
• Contribute to commodity management efforts, spanning supplier evaluation, selection, and ongoing performance improvement.
• Help keep materials flowing for production, covering inbound raw materials and outbound finished goods.
• Award business to the most competitive proposals, weighing price, quality, delivery, and total value.
• Back supplier monitoring, evaluations, and audits, including on-site visits to vendor locations.
• Address daily procurement challenges through prompt action, near-term planning, and coordination across internal and external parties.
• Keep the Approved Supplier List current and well maintained.
• Assist with supplier training, cost-saving programs, and performance enhancement projects.
• Take on additional related responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• Solid grasp of sourcing and supply chain management practices.
• At least five years of demonstrated experience in sourcing, purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or a closely related area.
• Willing and able to travel to supplier sites across North America, South America, Europe, India, and Southeast Asia.
• Hands-on experience creating, maintaining, and tracking purchase orders within an ERP platform.
• A track record sourcing electromechanical tools, equipment, technical parts, or manufactured components.
• Competence with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong skills in negotiation, supplier communication, and quote analysis.
• Available to work onsite full-time in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Familiarity with supplier performance, follow-up, delivery resolution, or improvement activities.
• Capable of collaborating with internal teams to resolve nonconformities and meet customer or contract needs.
• Able to represent the organization professionally during supplier visits, evaluations, and audits.

Preferred

• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 or comparable quality management systems.
• Background in aerospace, defense, aviation, industrial equipment, tooling, precision machining, fabrication, or technical manufacturing.
• A bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain, business, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, technical drawings, geometric symbols, and GD&T principles.
• Experience preparing, distributing, or analyzing supplier KPI reports.
• Comparable mixes of education and relevant experience may be accepted in place of a degree.
• Working familiarity with specialized manufacturing methods, including machining and welding of complex metal parts.
• Exposure to supplier surveillance, evaluations, or audits.
• Involvement in supplier cost reduction projects.
• Prior experience maintaining or supporting an Approved Supplier List.

Benefits

• Salary: $65 000 - $80 000 (Depending on Experience)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Tuition reimbursement
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Employee Assistance Program

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy.
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.

Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit