Buyer

Level 3 Indirect Buyer (Contractor)

The client is a private aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company, which aims to make access to space more affordable and reliable through the development of reusable rocket technology. It has several ambitious projects in progress, including its New Shepard suborbital rocket, designed for space tourism and research missions, and the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle, intended to compete with SpaceX's Falcon rockets in the commercial satellite launch market. The client has also been involved in developing lunar landers and other technologies to support NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually establish a sustainable human presence there.

The client is seeking an experienced Level 3 Indirect 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:

• 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

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