BUYER IV (R&D)

Marquee Staffing; Inglewood (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Marquee Staffing is seeking a Buyer IV (R&D) in the Greater LAX Area to manage a portfolio of aerospace and defense suppliers. You will drive supplier performance, sourcing strategy, and negotiations to meet cost, quality, and on-time delivery targets.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in procurement of machined/fabricated components, reads mechanical drawings, and understands FAR/DFARS. Strong cross‑functional collaboration and leadership potential are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on procurement experience for machined and fabricated components.
• Experience in aerospace or defense procurement.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS requirements.
• Experience managing suppliers against KPIs and performance expectations.
• Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Effective communication across all levels and functions.
• Established relationships within manufacturing/supplier community.
• Result-driven with ability to achieve objectives.
• Strategic thinker with ability to propose creative sourcing solutions.
• High integrity; self-motivated and organized.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Procure materials, supplies, and services with competitive pricing and terms.
• Identify and qualify suppliers; evaluate bids and negotiate pricing and terms.
• Manage supplier performance focusing on quality, cost, and on-time delivery.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier data.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies with internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and other teams for production needs.
• Coordinate purchasing activities and sourcing decisions with senior leadership.
• Serve as SME on complex procurement matters; mentor junior buyers.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Reading drawings

Attention to detail

FAR/DFARS knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Logistics, or related discipline

Tools

ERP systems

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

BUYER IV (R&D) Location: Greater LAX Area FLSA Status: Exempt The Buyer IV (R&D) will manage a portfolio of complex manufacturing suppliers supporting aerospace and defense programs. This individual will be responsible for supplier performance, sourcing strategy, negotiations, and partnering with cross‑functional teams to support manufacturing requirements. The role will focus on identifying the best overall supply solutions while meeting key objectives related to cost, quality, and on‑time delivery. The ideal candidate will have strong experience purchasing machined and fabricated components, along with knowledge of finishing processes and military/aerospace quality standards and specifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Procure materials, supplies, and services while securing competitive pricing, quality, and commercial terms
• Identify and qualify suppliers, evaluate proposals and bids, and negotiate pricing, lead times, and contractual terms
• Manage supplier performance with an emphasis on quality, cost, and on‑time delivery
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and up‑to‑date supplier information
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies in collaboration with internal stakeholders
• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and other cross‑functional teams to support production requirements
• Coordinate purchasing activities, approvals, and sourcing decisions with internal customers and senior leadership
• Serve as a subject‑matter resource on complex technical and commercial procurement matters
• Provide guidance to junior buyers as needed
• May take a lead role within the purchasing team on assigned initiatives
• Maintain a strong commitment to delivering quality products on schedule

SKILLS / REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Logistics, or a related discipline required
• 7+ years of hands‑on procurement experience involving machined and fabricated components
• Previous purchasing experience within the aerospace or defense industry required
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings
• Working knowledge of FAR and DFARS requirements
• Experience managing suppliers against established KPIs and performance expectations
• Strong negotiation and supplier‑management skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally
• Established relationships within the manufacturing/supplier community
• Results‑driven with a demonstrated ability to achieve business and procurement objectives
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop creative solutions to complex sourcing and supply‑chain challenges
• High level of personal and professional integrity
• Self‑motivated, organized, and comfortable building relationships across multiple functions
• Ability to succeed in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment where quality and on‑time delivery are critical
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Previous experience working within ERP systems required
• Strong mathematical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Fluent English communication skills
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience managing suppliers qualified in Determinant Manufacturing is highly preferred, but not required
• SAP experience is a plus

SALARY RANGE:

$95,000 – $125,000

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Approximately 10% travel is required for this position.