Buyer III (Indirect Procurement)
Location: Melbourne, FL (preferred) or Kent, WA
Position Type: Contract
Experience Level: Buyer II (3–4 years) or Buyer III (5+ years)
Position Overview
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.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Sourcing
- 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.
COTS Procurement
- 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.
ET/IT Hardware Procurement
- 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.
Aerospace Procurement
- 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.
Supplier Management & Negotiation
- 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.
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and supplier documentation.
- Support internal and external audits.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable regulations and company standards.
Required Qualifications
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Sourcing
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Cost Reduction Initiatives
- Procurement Compliance
- ERP Systems Expertise
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Problem Solving
- Process Improvement