Buyer

Role overview

Howmet Aerospace is seeking a Buyer to join its Ennis, County Clare operation in Ireland. The position focuses on purchasing materials, components, tooling, and services that keep aerospace manufacturing running efficiently. The successful candidate will help ensure goods and services arrive on time, meet quality expectations, stay cost-effective, and comply with aerospace standards and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and issue RFQs and RFPs, then choose the supplier that best aligns with price, quality, and delivery needs.
• Lead negotiations and maintain long-term pricing arrangements for key commodities.
• Process purchasing requests with both local and overseas suppliers by placing purchase orders, following up on deliveries, and checking transaction accuracy.
• Work closely with the production team to support operational demand and supply requirements.
• Manage supplier communication related to excess shipments, shortages, quantity adjustments, delivery changes, and price changes, and share updates with the relevant stakeholders promptly.
• Study market conditions and use insights from trends to support smarter buying decisions.
• Track supplier performance by confirming deliveries arrive as scheduled and meet required specifications, while keeping accurate records of supplier meetings and performance discussions.
• Oversee services and office equipment by coordinating with suppliers and monitoring service agreements to confirm contractual terms are met.
• Develop demand forecasts using historical sales information, market trends, and other relevant data.
• Review and analyze information to support purchasing and supply chain decisions.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in business management, supply chain, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in materials management and supply chain functions.
• Prior purchasing experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong systems knowledge, with proficiency in relevant tools; M1 experience is preferred, along with familiarity with MRP and ERP systems.
• Well-developed analytical ability and a practical, solution-focused approach to decision-making.
• Ability to gather and evaluate data, combine analysis with experience and judgment, and make sound decisions.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills, plus strong interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable presenting information clearly and tactfully to people at different levels, both internally and externally.

Additional information

This role supports aerospace manufacturing operations and requires attention to supplier quality, delivery performance, and regulatory compliance. The buyer is expected to maintain organized records, manage supplier relationships professionally, and contribute to forecasting and planning activities.