Aerospace Buyer: Sourcing, Negotiation & On-Time Delivery

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Buyer to secure the supply chain for launch vehicles, satellites, and systems. You will convert requisitions to POs, evaluate vendors, and manage supplier relationships from R&D through production ramp.

Collaborate with Engineering and ensure on-time delivery and best pricing. Ideal candidates will have proven sourcing and negotiation experience, strong purchasing process knowledge, and excellent communication, with willingness to travel up to 10% domestically or

Qualifications

• Comfortable working in a support role with guidance as you grow into the position.
• Proven ability to source, onboard, and negotiate pricing with suppliers.
• Solid knowledge of purchasing processes.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with effective prioritisation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Team-oriented, able to multi-task and work to multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders, evaluating vendor capability, price, delivery, and performance.
• Ensure on-time delivery of purchased parts from vendors to Rocket Lab.
• Own and manage business relationships with assigned suppliers.
• Run the RFQ process to secure competitive bids and achieve best pricing.
• Partner closely with Engineering teams and act as the primary contact for R&D order status.
• Keep material planners updated on purchase order status and expected delivery dates.
• Negotiate terms with suppliers to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Maintain accurate purchase order data in the ERP system.
• Follow all health and safety policies, wear correct PPE, and report near misses and incidents promptly.

Skills

Sourcing

Vendor negotiation

Purchasing processes

Organization

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Engineering / Business / Supply Chain degree

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Buyer to secure the supply chain for launch vehicles, satellites, and systems. You will convert requisitions to POs, evaluate vendors, and manage supplier relationships from R&D through production ramp.

Collaborate with Engineering and ensure on-time delivery and best pricing. Ideal candidates will have proven sourcing and negotiation experience, strong purchasing process knowledge, and excellent communication, with willingness to travel up to 10% domestically or