Buyer III

Job Title: Buyer III

Location: Kent, WA

Type: 6-month contract

Compensation: $84.00 per hour


Required Qualifications

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

5+ years of procurement/purchasing experience, preferably in an indirect buying capacity

Demonstrated experience procuring COTS products and IT/technology 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

Professional certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM, or equivalent)

Experience with strategic sourcing and category management

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Level 3 Buyer (Contractor) to support our procurement operations. This role will be responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement of indirect materials and services, with specialized focus on standard Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products, Engineering Technology/Information Technology (ET/IT) hardware, 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.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Sourcing

Execute the full procurement lifecycle for indirect categories, including COTS products, ET/IT hardware, 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

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

ET/IT Hardware Procurement

Procure engineering technology and information technology hardware, including computing equipment, networking components, peripherals, and test equipment

Coordinate with IT and engineering stakeholders to understand technical specifications and requirements

Ensure hardware procurement aligns with security, compatibility, and lifecycle management requirements

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

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.

Ref: #404-IT Pittsburgh