Buyer IV

Aston Carter
San Diego, CA

Buyer IV

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Buyer to join our team on a temporary basis, supporting the procurement of complex machinery, equipment, tools, raw materials, packaging, parts, and services. This is a senior‑level opportunity for a procurement professional who brings strong negotiation skills, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to manage high‑visibility purchasing activities in a fast‑paced environment.

What You’ll Do
  • Provide leadership in ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable government regulations
  • Compile and analyze data to assess purchasing feasibility and establish pricing objectives
  • Identify, evaluate, and select qualified suppliers, assessing reliability and performance
  • Recommend and implement improvements to purchasing policies and procedures to maintain regulatory compliance
  • Manage competitive and sole‑source procurements to meet required delivery dates, including preparation of supporting documentation
  • Lead major procurement negotiations covering terms, conditions, pricing, and schedules
  • Participate in cost and pricing reviews with program management and customers
  • Review supplier proposals and perform detailed cost and price analyses
  • Follow up on open orders, expedite deliveries, and negotiate changes related to supplier performance
  • Serve as the primary purchasing point of contact for assigned contracts and subcontracts, including presenting information as needed
  • Maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to less‑experienced purchasing staff
  • Support the selection, training, and development of purchasing team members
What We’re Looking For
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, or equivalent professional purchasing experience
  • Strong working knowledge of purchasing principles, FAR, and related government regulations
  • Ability to develop creative, compliant solutions to complex procurement challenges
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly document and report findings
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to influence cross‑functional teams and stakeholders
  • Proven ability to organize and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously
  • Experience leading or mentoring junior purchasing professionals
  • Strong computer skills; SAP experience is highly desirable
  • Ability to work independently or collaboratively, with flexibility to work extended hours as needed
  • Willingness to travel as required
Additional Qualifications
  • 10+ years of buying or procurement experience, ideally within 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 regulated environments with real exposure to FAR requirements
  • Strong supplier communication skills, including RFQs, pricing negotiations, lead‑time management, and issue resolution
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables
Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $42.00 - $75.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 16, 2026.

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

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