Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! 

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

Position Overview:

The Buyer III is a senior procurement professional responsible for managing tooling and maintenance inventory levels across the organization. This role requires advanced technical expertise in interpreting MRP (Material Requirements Planning) data, understanding demand signals, and ensuring optimal inventory levels to support manufacturing operations. The position plays a critical role in preventing production delays while minimizing excess inventory costs.

Primary Responsibilities:

Inventory Management

Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels for tooling and maintenance items
Analyze MRP data to identify and prevent potential stockouts or overstock situations
Coordinate with maintenance teams to understand tooling lifecycles and replacement patterns
Implement advanced inventory control techniques to balance service levels with inventory investment

Supply Chain Management

Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for critical tooling and maintenance items
Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable supply
Negotiate favorable pricing, terms, and service level agreements
Identify alternate sources for critical parts to mitigate supply chain risks

Technical Analysis

Interpret complex MRP data and demand signals to make informed procurement decisions
Analyze usage patterns and forecast future requirements for tooling and maintenance parts
Evaluate technical specifications to ensure procured items meet engineering requirements
Perform cost analysis and value engineering to identify cost-saving opportunities

Process Improvement

Identify and implement improvements to procurement and inventory management processes
Develop KPIs and metrics to track performance and drive continuous improvement
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize the end-to-end supply chain
Lead or participate in projects to enhance procurement systems and capabilities

Leadership & Collaboration

Mentor junior buyers and share technical knowledge
Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams
Provide regular reporting to management on key procurement metrics
Serve as subject matter expert for tooling and maintenance procurement

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field
5+ years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 2 years specifically managing technical/industrial parts inventory
Advanced understanding of MRP systems and inventory management principles
Demonstrated experience interpreting demand signals and planning inventory accordingly
Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent negotiation and supplier management capabilities
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, vlookup, data analysis)
Knowledge of maintenance operations and tooling requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

CPSM, CSCP, or other relevant professional certification
Experience with lean inventory management techniques
Knowledge of predictive maintenance concepts and their impact on inventory planning
Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt)
Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau)
Understanding of TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) principles
Experience implementing inventory optimization software

Additional Information:

The position may require occasional travel to supplier facilities and other company locations
This role involves coordination with multiple departments including Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and Finance
Decision-making in this role directly impacts operational continuity and financial performance

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

Buyer III - Tooling/Maintenance Inventory