Buyer

Job Title: Buyer

Job Description

Join a dynamic procurement team where you will play a key role in supporting complex, high-impact programs in the defense and technology sectors. This role offers a variety of responsibilities, ranging from technical commodities and specialty services to subcontract administration, providing real ownership and autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures as well as applicable government regulations.
• Compile and analyze statistical data to determine the feasibility of buying products and establish price objectives.
• Identify, develop, and select qualified suppliers while evaluating their reliability and performance.
• Coordinate competitive and sole-source procurements to meet required purchase dates and prepare necessary support documentation.
• Review and analyze suppliers' bids, performing cost and/or price analysis.
• Conduct major procurement negotiations, including agreements on terms and conditions, prices, and schedules.
• Participate in cost and pricing reviews with program management and customers.
• 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 and make presentations as required.
• Provide advice to professional or technical staff on purchasing matters.
• Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations during business conduct.
• Work safely in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related discipline, or equivalent professional purchasing experience.
• Six or more years of progressive professional purchasing experience.
• Complete understanding of purchasing concepts and principles, FAR, and related governmental rules and regulations.
• Ability to provide solutions to a range of complex purchasing problems.
• Strong communication and presentation skills to document and report findings to various audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to influence and guide employees, managers, and customers.
• Ability to organize, schedule, and coordinate multiple work phases.
• Ability to lead less experienced purchasing staff on projects.
• Strong computer skills, with SAP experience being desirable.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in services procurement, including engineering services, technical services, and specialty operations.
• Proficiency in cost and price analysis, performing bid analysis, and developing price objectives.
• Excel proficiency for data analysis, tracking, and reporting.
• Understanding of Statements of Work (SOWs) and Terms and Conditions.
• Experience in technical commodity procurement is a plus.
• Aerospace or defense industry background is preferred, but experience in biotech and other technical industries is acceptable.
• FAR familiarity and government contracting exposure are helpful.
• ERP procurement module experience is transferable.

Work Environment

Work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment within a close-knit team of 7 buyers. The focus is on services and operations rather than traditional commodity buying, with an emphasis on complex outside services and technical procurement. The team values grit, curiosity, and a proactive mindset. The role offers a hybrid work environment with an onsite panel interview required. The manager is hands-on and encourages energy and willingness to ask questions.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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 29, 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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