Senior Buyer

Aston Carter•San Diego, CA

8d•$42 - $75•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Buyer to join our team on a temporary basis, with a focus on purchasing complex machinery, equipment, tools, raw materials, packaging materials, parts, goods, and services. This role requires a seasoned professional with over eight years of experience to support contracts, subcontracts, or internal organizations by leveraging their expertise in procurement and negotiation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related discipline, or equivalent professional purchasing experience.
Thorough understanding of purchasing concepts, principles, FAR, and related governmental rules and regulations.
Ability to provide innovative solutions to complex purchasing problems.
Strong communication and presentation skills to document and report findings effectively.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to influence and guide employees, managers, and customers.
Ability to organize, schedule, and coordinate multiple work phases.
Experience leading less experienced purchasing staff on projects.
Strong computer skills with desirable SAP experience.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with the flexibility to work extended hours as required.
Willingness to travel as necessary.
10+ years of buying or procurement experience, ideally in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing.
Hands-on experience sourcing machined, cast, and welded components.
Comfortable reading and working from engineering drawings and specifications.
Experience in a regulated environment with real exposure to FAR.
Strong vendor communication skills, including RFQs, pricing discussions, lead times, and issue resolution.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Excel Pivot Tables.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership in ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable government regulations.
Compile and analyze statistical data to determine the feasibility of purchasing products and establish price objectives.
Identify, develop, and select qualified suppliers, evaluating their reliability.
Recommend changes or updates in purchasing policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance.
Oversee competitive and sole source procurements to meet required purchase dates and prepare necessary support documentation.
Conduct major procurement negotiations, including terms, conditions, prices, and schedules.
Participate in cost and pricing reviews with program management and customers.
Review and analyze supplier bids, performing cost and/or price analysis.
Follow up, expedite, and negotiate changes related to delivery and supplier performance.
Maintain professional relationships with internal and external customers and suppliers.
Represent the organization as the primary purchasing contact on assigned contracts/subcontracts, making presentations as required.
Provide guidance and leadership to less experienced professional purchasing and support staff.
Participate in the selection, development, and training of purchasing staff.