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.