Engineering Commodity Buyer

Job Title: Commodity Buyer – Machining, Fabrications and Special ProcessesJob Description The Commodity Buyer manages more than $30M in annual spend within the Machining, Fabrications and Special Processes category, with a strong focus on aerospace CNC machined metal components, sheet metal forming, and special processes such as paint, anodizing, coatings and corrosion protection. This role leads strategic sourcing, supplier selection, and contract negotiation to ensure high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective supply, ideally within North America to mitigate tariffs. The Commodity Buyer develops and executes category strategies, conducts detailed cost and market analysis, and collaborates closely with site-level purchasing teams who execute day-to-day orders under the negotiated contracts. The position offers significant exposure to the aerospace sector, opportunities for career growth, and the ability to work in a hybrid schedule while contributing directly to a rapidly growing business. Responsibilities Manage category strategies for Machining, Fabrications and Special Processes that maximize value based on a deep understanding of business needs and the supply market. Build and maintain in-depth knowledge of the aerospace supply market, particularly CNC machine shops, sheet metal forming suppliers, and special process providers (paint, anodizing, coatings, corrosion protectants). Source and select suppliers capable of producing CNC machined metal components and fabricated parts that meet aerospace quality standards and customer specifications. Negotiate and finalize contracts with suppliers, including standard terms and conditions, warranty provisions, Incoterms, pricing, and delivery terms, with a focus on on-time delivery, quality, and tariff avoidance through North American sourcing where possible. Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives across multiple sites using RFx processes and other strategic sourcing methodologies to establish fit-for-purpose supply contracts. Capture and incorporate specific business and technical requirements into RFx documents and sourcing packages. Lead the implementation of pan-business line contracts and ensure that site-level purchasing teams can effectively use these contracts in their day-to-day buying activities. Evaluate ongoing contract performance and supplier compliance, including monitoring key performance indicators and driving continuous improvement. Segment suppliers within the category and develop appropriate strategies to engage, incentivize, and manage their performance. Establish and maintain supplier governance structures, supported by relevant data and attended by empowered representatives from both organizations. Conduct detailed expenditure analysis, including cost and price analysis, to inform category strategies and identify savings opportunities on multi-million-dollar expenditures. Analyze supply market trends and benchmark supplier performance to support sourcing decisions and risk management. Use advanced Excel skills to perform data analysis, comparisons, and scenario modeling to support recommendations and decision-making. Prepare and present clear, data-driven recommendations on supplier selection, contract terms, and category strategies to stakeholders. Support bid activity when there is a significant category requirement, ensuring that sourcing strategies align with bid needs and timelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, and site procurement, to align sourcing strategies with technical and operational requirements. Travel up to approximately 30% of the time to visit supplier sites, strengthen supplier relationships, and conduct on-site assessments. Drive procurement savings and value creation through strategic negotiation, supplier consolidation where appropriate, and continuous improvement initiatives. Demonstrate a hands-on, delivery-focused approach, following through on actions and ensuring that category strategies are fully executed. Act as a key member of the corporate procurement team, contributing to best practices, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement in strategic procurement. Essential Skills At least 5 years of experience sourcing within the Machining, Fabrications and Special Processes category, including aerospace CNC machined metal components and sheet metal forming. At least 5 years of experience in supplier selection for CNC machined metal components, fabricated parts, and special processes such as paint, anodizing, coatings, and corrosion protection. At least 5 years of experience negotiating contracts focused on on-time delivery, aerospace quality and customer specifications, and competitive pricing, with a preference for North American suppliers to avoid tariffs. At least 5 years of advanced Excel experience, including data analysis, cost and price comparison, and decision support. Experienced procurement practitioner with approximately 5 years in sourcing and procurement, with deep knowledge of current strategic procurement techniques. Proven track record of identifying and delivering procurement savings on multi-million-dollar expenditures. Strong knowledge of strategic procurement and category management practices, including RFx processes, supplier segmentation, and contract management. High-quality communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence stakeholders and present data-driven recommendations. Highly commercial mindset with the ability to use procurement as a lever to unlock value for the business. Delivery-focused, pragmatic, and hands-on approach to executing procurement and category strategies. Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed analysis and make recommendations and decisions based on data and experience in aerospace machined metal components and contract manufacturers/job shops. Willingness and ability to travel to supplier sites, including up to approximately 30% travel. Strong customer service orientation and ability to support internal stakeholders effectively. Proficiency in data entry and project coordination related to procurement activities. Additional Skills & Qualifications Relevant business experience in the commercial aerospace sector, particularly with knowledge of key customer programs. Experience working within large aerospace supply chains, such as major OEMs or tier-one suppliers, in a commodity management role for machined or formed metal components. Relevant professional qualifications such as CIPS or similar procurement certifications are highly valued. Degrees in relevant disciplines such as supply chain management, business, engineering, or related fields are highly valued. Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable procurement strategies. Demonstrated grit and persistence, with a track record of following through, driving for results, and overcoming obstacles in a fast-paced environment. Ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, fostering collaboration and long-term partnerships. Experience supporting bid and proposal activities where significant category requirements are involved. Work Environment The role is based in an aerospace engine manufacturing environment with a large, collaborative office space dedicated to procurement. The culture emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and close collaboration between corporate procurement and site-level purchasing teams. The company is experiencing rapid growth, with record performance in recent years and a strong outlook driven by robust business jet sales, creating significant opportunities for career development and advancement. The typical schedule consists of nine-hour workdays from Monday through Thursday and half days on Friday, with flexibility for proven performers. A hybrid work arrangement is available, and the Commodity Buyer is not required to be on-site every day. The position involves regular interaction with aerospace CNC machine shops and sheet metal suppliers, including travel to supplier facilities such as sheet metal machine shops to conduct visits, strengthen relationships, and support supplier governance. The environment is professional, fast-paced, and growth-oriented, offering exposure to advanced aerospace manufacturing and strategic procurement practices. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Phoenix, AZ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $43.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Phoenix,AZ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. #J-18808-Ljbffr Actalent