Buyer III

Job title: Buyer III

Location: Kent, WA

Type: Contract | On-site

Schedule: 40 Hours per Week (8 Hours per Day, Monday–Friday)

Compensation: 80/hour

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Buyer III to support procurement operations in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for managing the full procurement lifecycle for indirect materials and services, with an emphasis on 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 and negotiation skills, supplier management experience, and the ability to support multiple procurement initiatives while ensuring compliance with company policies and aerospace industry requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Sourcing

• Execute the full procurement lifecycle for indirect materials and services.
• Process purchase requisitions and convert them into purchase orders using ERP systems.
• Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and service.
• Issue RFQs and RFPs while conducting competitive bid evaluations.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives and cost reduction opportunities.

Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Procurement

• Manage procurement of standard Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products.
• Identify opportunities to standardize purchasing through catalog buying.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with COTS distributors and manufacturers.

Engineering Technology / IT Procurement

• Procure engineering and information technology hardware including:
  • Computer systems
  • Networking equipment
  • Test equipment
  • Peripherals
• Collaborate with Engineering and IT teams to understand technical requirements.
• Ensure purchases align with security, compatibility, and lifecycle management standards.

Aerospace Procurement

• Support procurement of aerospace materials, components, and specialized services.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality requirements, certifications, and traceability standards.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Quality teams regarding technical specifications and compliance requirements.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, terms, and conditions.
• Resolve supplier issues involving quality, delivery, invoicing, and performance.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure procurement activities support business objectives.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Maintain accurate purchasing documentation and procurement records.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Prepare procurement reports and purchasing metrics as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of procurement or purchasing experience.
• Experience purchasing indirect materials and services.
• Demonstrated experience procuring Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products.
• Experience purchasing Engineering Technology (ET) and Information Technology (IT) hardware.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
• Experience utilizing ERP or procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, Coupa, or similar.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with aerospace procurement compliance and quality requirements.
• Professional purchasing certifications such as CPSM, CPM, or equivalent.
• Experience with strategic sourcing and category management.

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.