Buyer III

DPP•El Segundo, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

DPP is seeking a Buyer III for an opportunity with our client in the Aerospace industry. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.
5+ years of procurement/purchasing experience, preferably in a direct buying capacity.
Demonstrated experience procuring COTS products and electronics 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 Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.