Job at a glance
Buyer III Overview We are seeking an experienced Buyer III to join a dynamic procurement team supporting multiple aerospace and defense programs. In this role, you will manage high-volume purchasing activities for critical hardware commodities, ensuring timely procurement, supplier performance, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. This position is ideal for procurement professionals who thrive in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment and have experience working with ERP systems, supplier management, and government-regulated procurement processes.
Key Responsibilities Review purchase requisitions (PRs) for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with procurement policies and procedures. Convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders (POs), with a focus on efficient, high-volume transaction processing. Manage micro-purchases and other procurement transactions while ensuring cycle-time and quality objectives are met. Collaborate with suppliers to confirm pricing, lead times, order status, and delivery schedules.
Monitor supplier performance and proactively resolve delivery delays, shortages, or order discrepancies. Maintain accurate procurement records and supporting documentation in accordance with company and regulatory requirements. Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and other applicable government procurement regulations. Partner with program teams, internal stakeholders, and procurement leadership to support business objectives and program schedules.
Conduct basic cost and price analysis and support supplier negotiation activities when needed. Utilize SAP and other ERP systems to manage purchasing activities and maintain data integrity. Support procurement of hardware commodities including: Nuts, bolts, screws, and fasteners Gaskets and mechanical components Cables and connectors Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts High-volume manufacturing materials Contribute to process improvement initiatives and procurement best practices.
Required Qualifications 3+ years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or buyer experience. Experience managing the full procurement lifecycle, including: Requisition review Purchase order creation Supplier communication Cost validation Documentation management Compliance oversight Experience using SAP or a comparable ERP system. Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and government procurement requirements.
Experience purchasing hardware, manufacturing, or industrial commodities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume environment. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field.
Aerospace, defense, or government contracting experience. Manufacturing industry experience. Experience with SAP, Ariba, or similar procurement platforms. Background in supplier negotiations, commodity management, and cost analysis. Ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives and support process standardization. What We're Looking For The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented procurement professional who enjoys working in a structured, process-driven environment while managing a high volume of purchasing activity.
Success in this role requires strong problem-solving skills, supplier management experience, and the ability to balance speed, accuracy, and compliance in support of critical manufacturing and defense programs. If you're looking to grow your procurement career while supporting innovative aerospace and defense initiatives, we'd love to hear from you. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.
Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $58.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job kn