Senior Purchasing

Senior Purchasing & Provisioning Specialist

Taylor Defense Products, LLC

107 Thompson Street
Louisville, MS 39339

Taylor Defense Products was established in 2017 as part of the Taylor Group of Companies. Our mission is to provide the U.S. Military, its allies, and the U.S. government with the longest-lasting, best-supported, and lowest total cost material handling, construction, engineering, and logistics products. Taylor Defense has been rewarded for our performance and has continued to capture additional work which is now ramping up. Current contracts will provide a steady base of work for the next 7 years as we continue to grow. Taylor Defense operates in a culture of high expectation and high personal responsibility where our team approach and support within a flat organizational structure allows for rewarding results and supports rapid advancement. Like our customers, we are looking for a few good men and women to join our team.

Bring your skills and your character to make us a better performing team.

The Senior Purchasing & Provisioning Specialist is responsible for sourcing, procuring, and provisioning critical materials, components, and services to support heavy fabrication, military modification, upfitting, and Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) operations. This role ensures that the right materials are purchased at the right time, at the right cost, and at the right quality to prevent production delays and maintain mission readiness.

This position requires a driven, high-energy individual who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-project environment. The ideal candidate is a utility player, someone who can step in wherever needed, solve problems quickly, and work collaboratively to support our teams and our customers' missions.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Purchasing & Procurement

Source and procure raw materials, fabricated components, hardware, and specialized military-grade items required for heavy manufacturing and modification programs. Prepare RFQs, analyze bids, and negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules. Issue purchase orders accurately and promptly, ensuring alignment with project schedules and contractual obligations. Monitor open orders daily and proactively follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.

• Provisioning & Logistics Support

Develop and maintain provisioning data for government and defense programs, including parts lists, spares requirements, and support equipment. Review engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical data to identify required materials and replacement parts. Collaborate with Program Management and Engineering to ensure provisioning documentation supports customer and government requirements.

• Supplier & Vendor Management

Build and maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors. Evaluate vendor performance using quality, delivery, and cost criteria. Identify alternate suppliers and mitigate single-source risks. Work with vendors to resolve shortages, quality issues, and delivery delays.

• Cross-Functional Coordination

Work closely with Operations, Production Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to ensure material availability and readiness for each project. Act as the supply-chain point of contact for assigned programs, ensuring alignment between purchasing activities and production priorities. Support material expediting and gap-filling tasks when urgent issues arise.

• Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to optimize supply chain efficiency, reduce lead times, and improve cost competitiveness.  Assist in implementing supply chain best practices, KPIs, and procurement policies. Support inventory control efforts, including safety stock analysis and reduction of excess/obsolete materials.

Preferred Attributes:

• Familiarity with SLEP programs (RTCH, EBFL, cranes, tactical vehicles, etc.).
• Understanding of military standards, packaging requirements, and provisioning data (PPLs, IPBs, SMR codes).
• Experience expediting suppliers and working in rapidly changing production environments.
• Strong problem-solving ability with a "whatever it takes" mindset.

Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience, preferably in defense manufacturing, heavy fabrication, or industrial equipment.
• Strong understanding of BOM structures, engineering drawings, weldments, machining, and fabricated assemblies.
• Experience supporting military or government programs (ILS, provisioning, FAR/DFARS knowledge a plus).
• Proven negotiation skills and the ability to manage multiple vendors.
• High level of energy with the ability to multitask and work under pressure.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel required).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Why Join Our Team:

• Be part of a high-impact organization supporting U.S. military readiness and mission success.
• Work in a dynamic, growing environment where your contributions directly influence program outcomes.
• Join a team that values teamwork, accountability, and a strong work ethic.

Benefits:

• Medical/Prescription
• Dental/Vision
• Vacation
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 401K
• Company Paid Life Insurance