Buyer III

Job Description

Job Title: Buyer III

Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Buyer III with our client located in Kent, WA.

Job Description:

• Seeking an experienced Level 3 Direct Buyer (Contractor) to support our procurement operations.
• This role will be responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement of direct materials and services, with specialized focus on standard Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products, Discrete Electronic components, 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.

Job Responsibilities:

• Procurement & Sourcing:
  • Execute the full procurement lifecycle for direct categories, including COTS products, Discrete Electronics, 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
  • Continued supplier management post award to maintain supplier commitment schedules and On Time Delivery
• 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
• 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

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of procurement/purchasing experience, preferably in an direct buying capacity
• Demonstrated experience procuring COTS products and electrontronics 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

Nice To Have:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards and procurement compliance requirements
• Understanding of the Coupa and Costpoint ERP systems
• Professional certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM, or equivalent)
• Experience with strategic sourcing and category management

Job Details:
Job Type: Contract Position
Pay Rate Range: $68-$85/hr
Location: Kent, WA; El Segundo, CA; Altadena, CA

Benefits Package: Protingent offers competitive salaries, insurance plan options (HDHP plan or POS plan), education/certification reimbursement, pre-tax commuter benefits, Paid Time Off (PTO) and an administered 401k plan.

About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation - from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We're passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.


Meet Your Recruiter

Jeff Morgante

I have been working in technical staffing since 2010, specializing in recruiting hardware, software, electrical, and mechanical engineers. My recruiting style is personal, where I understand the technology and can communicate with engineers on all levels with an engineering background myself, I can relate and communicate using the same language.

Finding an excellent fit for engineers is why I love recruiting; I can help you achieve your career goals and job transitions and find the perfect fit for you. My philosophy is "never give up". Outside of work, I like to put my energy into listening to vinyl records, hiking, and cooking. I have two dogs, Kaleb and Kayce, and two cats, Mika and Shiloh. I am originally from upstate New York, but I love living in the Pacific Northwest! I have a passion for cars, old and new, so finding common ground is easy for me. Let's get started today!

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