Buyer III

Location: Melbourne, FL (preferred) or Kent, WA

Position Type: Contract

Experience Level: Buyer II (3–4 years) or Buyer III (5+ years)

We are seeking an experienced Buyer to support indirect procurement operations across multiple business functions. This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products, Engineering Technology/Information Technology (ET/IT) hardware, and aerospace-related materials and services.

The ideal candidate will possess strong sourcing, supplier management, and negotiation skills, with experience operating in a fast-paced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or technology environment. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure timely procurement, cost optimization, and compliance with company policies and quality standards.

• Manage the full procurement lifecycle from requisition through purchase order issuance and supplier management.
• Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery performance, and service.
• Develop and execute competitive sourcing strategies including RFQs and RFPs.
• Conduct bid evaluations and supplier assessments to support procurement decisions.
• Ensure procurement activities align with company policies, procedures, and contractual requirements.

• Procure standard commercial off-the-shelf products across a variety of categories.
• Identify opportunities for standardization and catalog purchasing to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Maintain relationships with distributors, manufacturers, and authorized resellers.

• Support procurement of computing equipment, networking hardware, peripherals, engineering systems, and test equipment.
• Partner with engineering and IT teams to understand requirements and specifications.
• Ensure purchases align with security, compatibility, and lifecycle management standards.

• Procure aerospace-related materials, components, and services in compliance with industry regulations and quality requirements.
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, and operations teams on technical specifications and supplier qualifications.
• Support compliance requirements including traceability, certifications, and documentation.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply and competitive pricing.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and contractual conditions.
• Drive cost savings, value improvements, and risk reduction initiatives.
• Resolve supplier issues related to quality, delivery performance, and invoicing.

• Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and supplier documentation.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable regulations and company standards.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Buyer II: 3–4 years of procurement or purchasing experience.
• Buyer III: 5+ years of procurement or purchasing experience.
• Experience managing indirect procurement categories.
• Hands‑on experience purchasing COTS products and IT/technology hardware.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and sourcing skills.
• Experience working with ERP/procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, Coupa, or similar platforms.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

• Aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industry experience.
• Knowledge of aerospace procurement compliance and quality requirements.
• Experience with strategic sourcing and category management.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting engineering and technical procurement requirements.