Buyer III

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators.

Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary The Supply Chain department manages all aspect of procurement for The Aerospace Corporation. As a Strategic Sourcing Buyer Level III – Indirect Goods and Services, you will apply for your experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and category leadership to deliver value across multiple business areas. You will partner with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive operational efficiency, manage costs, and support innovation while ensuring compliance with corporate and government procurement requirements.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, onsite at one of our campus locations in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VAWhat You’ll Be Doing Lead the sourcing and procurement of indirect goods and services to drive competitive value, supplier performance, and operational excellence across the enterprise.

Evaluate and improve sourcing activities, analyzing supplier performance, market conditions, and cost structures to identify opportunities for efficiency and innovation.

Conduct formal market analysis to assess market trends, behaviors, and cost drivers to support sourcing strategy development.

Develop negotiation strategies, contract structures, and pricing models to ensure best value outcomes and risk mitigation.

Administer sourcing events (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs), lead supplier selection, and manage negotiations and award processes in alignment with category strategies.

Forecast and plan product and service demand for assigned categories and contracts, ensuring alignment with business needs.

Implement procedures and tools to continuously evaluate supplier performance, cost competitiveness, and deliverability.

Manage post-award supplier performance through Supplier Relationship Management, continuous improvement initiatives, and innovation across assigned categories.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Buyer III:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain or related field4-6 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or supplier management.

Strong skills in Microsoft Office:
Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook Demonstrated understanding of and experience with the end to end procurement lifecycle – from sourcing strategy through supplier management.

Advanced Project management skills to build, manage, and meet effective procurement schedules

Advanced financial acumen and analytical skills required to construct pricing strategies/exhibits, conduct bid evaluation, and justify pricing reasonableness

How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

Ariba/SAP experience

Aerospace industry experience

Experience setting up strategic purchasing agreements related to indirect categories including but not limited to: office supplies, IT-related materials & services, marketing-related services, capital, HR related services (recruitment, training, contract labor), travel management services, professional services (consultants), facilities maintenance/repair/operations, and design/construction sourcing methodologies (ex: Job Order Contracts)
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your…