Buyer III

Level 3 Direct Buyer (Contractor)

Our client is seeking an experienced Level 3 Direct Buyer to support procurement operations in a fast-paced aerospace environment. This role manages the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for direct materials and services, with a focus on COTS products, discrete electronic components, and aerospace-related goods and services.

Contract Length: Through December 31, 2026 Location: Kent, WA; El Segundo, CA; or Altadena, CA Work Setup: On-site

Level 3 Direct Buyer Responsibilities

• Manage the full procurement lifecycle for COTS products, discrete electronics, aerospace materials, and services.
• Process purchase requisitions and convert them into compliant purchase orders.
• Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and service.
• Issue RFQs/RFPs, perform competitive bid analyses, and negotiate favorable pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Manage suppliers post-award to maintain commitment schedules and support on-time delivery.
• Build relationships with COTS distributors, manufacturers, and aerospace suppliers.
• Resolve supplier quality, delivery, and invoice issues while partnering with engineering, quality, and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation and support compliance, audit, and reporting requirements.

Level 3 Direct Buyer Qualifications – Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of procurement/purchasing experience, preferably in a direct buying role.
• Demonstrated experience procuring COTS products and electronic hardware.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/procurement platforms such as SAP, Oracle, or Coupa.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Level 3 Direct Buyer Qualifications – Preferred

• Aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing experience.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality, traceability, certification, and procurement compliance requirements.
• Experience with Coupa and Costpoint ERP systems.
• Strategic sourcing and category management experience.
• CPM, CPSM, or similar professional certification.

The successful Level 3 Direct Buyer will combine hands-on purchasing expertise with strong negotiation, supplier relationship management, sourcing, and procurement compliance capabilities.

Level 3 Direct Buyer Pre-Screen Questions

• Describe your experience managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle. What hands-on experience do you have purchasing standard COTS products, electronic components, and aerospace-related materials or services? Please include examples of category spend managed.
• Walk us through a specific supplier negotiation involving pricing, terms, or conditions. What approach did you take, and what measurable savings or business value did you achieve?
• Which ERP or procurement systems have you used, such as SAP, Oracle, Coupa, or Costpoint? Describe your proficiency and how you have used these systems to process requisitions, manage purchase orders, and track procurement activities.

We look forward to reviewing your application!