Operational Buyer - Mack Defense
Allentown, PA, US, 18103
Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future? If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.
What you will do
The Operational Buyer is responsible for procurement activities supporting the production of wheeled military vehicles. This role involves strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, contract management, and ensuring on-time delivery of key components while maintaining cost efficiency and compliance with defense industry regulations. The ideal candidate will work closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure seamless supply chain operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Procurement & Sourcing
• Execute purchasing activities for components, raw materials, and subassemblies for wheeled military vehicles.
• Develop and maintain relationships with approved defense suppliers while ensuring compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and FAR regulations.
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of the supply chain.
• Collaborate with suppliers to secure cost-effective pricing, favorable payment terms, and long-term agreements.
Supplier Management & Negotiation
• Lead contract negotiations to optimize cost, quality, and lead time.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics, including on-time delivery, quality standards, and cost adherence.
• Drive supplier improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product reliability.
Inventory & Demand Planning
• Work closely with production planners to ensure materials availability aligns with manufacturing schedules.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels to minimize stockouts and excess holding costs.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to track purchase orders, deliveries, and supplier commitments.
Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with government contract regulations, export controls, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Mitigate supply chain risks through diversification, contingency planning, and alternate sourcing strategies.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to defense acquisition regulations.
Who are you?
Qualifications & Requirements:
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7-8 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain roles within the defense or heavy vehicle manufacturing industry.
• Familiarity with military vehicle components, including chassis, powertrains, armor systems, and electrical subsystems.
• Experience with government contracts (DFARS, ITAR, FAR) and defense procurement standards.
Technical & Soft Skills
• Strong negotiation and supplier management abilities.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on cost reduction and operational efficiency.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and production teams.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced defense manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
• APICS (CPIM or CSCP) or CPSM certification is a plus.
• Experience in DoD or NATO procurement regulations.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Familiarity with steel fabrication, machining, and composite materials used in military vehicles.
What’s in it for you?
• Be part of a leading defense manufacturer producing state-of-the-art wheeled military vehicles.
• Work on high-impact defense projects that support national security and military readiness.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and professional development opportunities in a growing industry.
We offer a solid package of compensation and benefits, plus you will enjoy:
• Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off including paid caregiver and parental leave policies.
• Competitive matching retirement savings plans.
• Working environment where your safety, health and wellbeing come first.
• Focus on professional and personal development through Volvo Group University.
• Programs that make today’s challenging reality of combining work and personal life easier.
Ready for the next move?
Are you excited to bring your skills and ideas to the table? We can’t wait to hear from you. Apply today!
Who we are and what we believe in
Our focus on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity allows each of us the opportunity to bring our full authentic self to work and thrive by providing a safe and supportive environment, free of harassment and discrimination. We are committed to removing the barriers to entry, which is why we ask that even if you feel you may not meet every qualification on the job description, please apply and let us decide.
Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, across the globe, our trucks, buses, engines, construction equipment, financial services, and solutions make modern life possible. We are almost 100,000 people empowered to shape the future landscape of efficient, safe and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents with sharp minds and passion across the group’s leading brands and entities.
Mack Trucks is part of Volvo Group. Founded in 1900, Mack Trucks is an iconic brand that embodies the American spirit: pioneering, hard-working, authentic and ambitious. Mack trucks are recognized around the world as “The American Truck You Can Count On,” thanks to our durable, reliable and application-driven vehicles that get the job done. With Mack Trucks you will be part of a global and diverse team. We work with passion, we trust each other and we embrace change to stay ahead. We make our customers win.
Nearest Major Market: Allentown