Job Title: Buyer III
Location: Kent, WA
Type: 6-month contract
Compensation: $84.00 per hour
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
Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Level 3 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 Procurement & Sourcing
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
System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.
System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Ref: #404-IT Pittsburgh