Tooling Buyer

CNC Machining Focus - Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing setting

Location: CMI Group -  3617 E La Salle St, Phoenix, AZ 85040

Shift: Full time, day shift - On-site required, not a remote position.

Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship or Valid Permanent Resident status is required.

Responsibilities:

• Source and procure CNC tooling, cutting tools, fixtures, and related machining consumables in alignment with machining needs and production schedules.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, programming, and engineering teams to ensure tooling strategies align with machining processes and efficiency goals.
• Manage RFQs for tooling, evaluate supplier quotes, and award purchase orders based on cost, quality, lead time, and technical fit.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with tooling vendors and distributors to ensure timely delivery and access to the latest tool technologies.
• Monitor tooling usage, life, and spend trends; drive cost savings initiatives and standardization efforts.
• Track and manage multiple procurement workflows and ensure supplier performance KPIs are met (OTTR, PO acknowledgment, lead time, etc.).
• Proactively resolve supply issues, communicate decommits or delays, and escalate within supplier and internal teams as needed.
• Support continuous improvement in machining efficiency by staying informed on new cutting tool technologies and industry trends.
• Work cross-functionally to resolve tooling-related issues impacting quality, cost, or delivery.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field—or equivalent industry experience.
• Hands-on knowledge of CNC machining operations, tooling applications, and manufacturing processes.
• Prior experience in purchasing or sourcing within a machine shop, contract manufacturer, or tooling distributor.
• Understanding of ERP/MRP systems and their application in a machining environment.
• Ability to lift moderate to heavy objects, up to 35 lbs.

Preferred Skills & Attributes:

• Proven ability to identify and evaluate cutting tool solutions (inserts, end mills, drills, holders, etc.) based on application needs.
• Familiarity with common machining materials (aluminum, titanium, stainless steels, etc.) and appropriate tooling strategies.
• Solid understanding of machining best practices, speeds & feeds, and tool life optimization.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, detail-driven environment.
• Intermediate MS Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, formulas).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and supplier management skills.

Team oriented company with top paying wages and benefits in the valley in regards to the Aerospace Industry. To qualify for consideration, all candidates must be able to work 40+ hours per week in a fast paced, high-demand, quality environment. All candidates must also have sufficient verbal and written communication skills as well as good problem solving skills.

CMI Group is equal opportunity employer providing competitive wages and benefits. Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance available. 401(k) with company match and company funded Profit Sharing plan.

This is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant due to age, race, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, gender or any other protected classification. VEVRAA federal subcontractor. This company provides provide equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws including:

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Amended
• Age Discrimination Act of 1967 as Amended
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974
• Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2009 (ADAAA)
• The Wagner-Peyser Act as Amended.
• The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
• Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq