Direct Buyer III

The ideal candidate will bring strong negotiation skills, supplier management experience, and the ability to navigate complex procurement requirements in a fast-paced aerospace environment. RESPONSIBILITIES: Procurement & Sourcing Execute the full procurement lifecycle for direct categories, including COTS products, Discrete Electronics, and aerospace materials/services.

JOB TITLE: Direct Buyer III
LOCATION: Kent, WA; El Segundo, CA; or Altadena, CA
PAY RANGE: $67 - $71/hr.
DURATION: Through 12/31/2026

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Client is seeking an experienced Level 3 Direct Buyer (Contractor) to support our procurement operations. This role will be responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement of direct materials and services, with a specialized focus on standard Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products, Discrete Electronic components, and aerospace-related goods and services. The ideal candidate will bring strong negotiation skills, supplier management experience, and the ability to navigate complex procurement requirements in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Procurement & Sourcing
  • Execute the full procurement lifecycle for direct categories, including COTS products, Discrete Electronics, and aerospace materials/services
  • Process purchase requisitions and convert them into purchase orders in compliance with company policies and procedures
  • Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and service criteria
  • Issue Requests for Quote (RFQs) and Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and conduct competitive bid analyses
  • Continue supplier management post-award to maintain supplier commitment schedules and on-time delivery
• Standard COTS Procurement
  • Manage procurement of standard commercial off-the-shelf products across multiple categories
  • Identify opportunities for catalog buying and standardization to drive efficiency
  • Maintain relationships with COTS distributors and manufacturers
• Aerospace Procurement
  • Support procurement of aerospace-related materials, components, and services
  • Navigate specialized requirements including quality certifications, traceability, and compliance standards relevant to aerospace applications
  • Coordinate with engineering and quality teams on technical and compliance specifications
• Supplier & Stakeholder Management
  • Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply and competitive pricing
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions to achieve cost savings and value
  • Resolve supplier issues including quality concerns, delivery delays, and invoice discrepancies
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure timely fulfillment
• Compliance & Documentation
  • Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulations
  • Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation
  • Support audit activities and reporting requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of procurement/purchasing experience, preferably in a direct buying capacity
• Demonstrated experience procuring COTS products and electronics hardware
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Proficiency with ERP/procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa)
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards and procurement compliance requirements
• Understanding of the Coupa and Costpoint ERP systems
• Professional certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM, or equivalent)
• Experience with strategic sourcing and category management

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience

BENEFITS SUMMARY: Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.

IND123BENEFITS SUMMARY:
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.