Procurement Associate

Procurement | Power the Supply Chain Behind Aviation Innovation Location: Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Job Type: Full-Time, Contract Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Flexible Schedule Pay Rate: $40.52 per hour Turn Urgent Material Needs Into Engineering Results PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Senior Associate, Procurement to join our team in Winston-Salem, NC , supporting a leader in the aviation industry. In this fast-paced procurement role, you'll support an Engineering Development Lab (EDL) where speed, accuracy, and resourcefulness are critical. You'll procure materials needed for engineering build and test requirements, quickly respond to changing needs related to original designs and redesign efforts, and help ensure engineering teams have the materials they need to keep projects moving. We're looking for a skilled procurement professional who thrives under pressure, knows how to source effectively, and can balance cost, quality, service, and lead times while also contributing to long-term process improvements. What You'll Do As a Senior Associate, Procurement, you'll be responsible for: Managing procurement activities for assigned Statements of Work (SOWs) from sourcing through purchase order execution. Creating, establishing, and maintaining purchase orders. Quickly sourcing materials needed to support engineering builds, testing, original designs, and redesign efforts. Conducting competitive supplier bids and identifying the best sourcing options for assigned SOWs. Performing supplier risk assessments to support informed purchasing decisions. Working toward monthly supplier on-time delivery targets . Managing procurement requirements within the Ariba system as needed. Continuously updating and maintaining the EDL SOW SharePoint Dashboard with current information. Participating in team and operational meetings to communicate procurement risks, opportunities, and potential solutions. Managing multiple priorities and urgent material requirements while balancing lead time, cost, service, and quality. Supporting leadership with procurement process improvements and future operational initiatives. Participating in Kaizen, continuous improvement, and other process improvement projects when needed. Completing required training programs and other company-sponsored requirements. Required Qualifications We're looking for a procurement professional who brings a combination of experience, adaptability, and sound decision-making. Candidates should have: Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline plus 3 years of relevant purchasing/procurement experience; OR An advanced degree in an appropriate discipline; OR 7 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree. Strong procurement and sourcing capabilities in a fast-paced environment. Ability to manage multiple competing and sometimes urgent priorities. Proven ability to evaluate lead times, costs, service, and quality when making procurement decisions. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to work with a sense of urgency while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. A resilient and adaptable mindset with the ability to thrive in a challenging, rapidly changing environment. Preferred Qualifications Standout candidates may also have: Experience supporting engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, or aviation-related procurement environments. Experience leading or supporting projects and cross-functional initiatives. Familiarity with Kaizen and continuous improvement methodologies . Experience with Ariba or similar procurement systems . Experience managing suppliers and monitoring on-time delivery performance. Experience preparing and maintaining purchase orders and supplier documentation. Familiarity with SharePoint or similar collaboration and reporting platforms. Experience conducting competitive bids, supplier evaluations, and sourcing risk assessments. Demonstrated ability to identify and implement procurement process improvements. Why Join Us? At PDS Tech Commercial , we connect talented professionals with opportunities to contribute to exciting projects across the aviation and aerospace industries. In this role, you'll have the chance to: Make an immediate impact by helping engineering teams obtain the materials they need to keep critical development work moving. Work in a dynamic Engineering Development Lab environment where your sourcing expertise and problem-solving abilities will be put to the test. Expand your experience across strategic sourcing, supplier management, purchasing, risk assessment, and process improvement . Collaborate with engineering, operations, suppliers, and leadership to solve real-world procurement challenges. Contribute ideas that can improve procurement processes and operational efficiency. Work a flexible Monday-Friday schedule , supporting a better balance between your professional and personal commitments. Build valuable experience supporting a recognized leader in the aviation industry. Ready to Make an Impact? This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license. Pay Details: $40.52 per hour Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to The California Fair Chance Act Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Massachusetts Candidates Only: #J-18808-Ljbffr PDS Tech