Purchasing Agent Aviation

Southern Cross Aviation; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Company-paid health benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Five paid holidays

Job summary

Southern Cross Aviation in Mesa, AZ is seeking an experienced Purchasing / Buyer Agent to join our team. You will manage a high volume of purchase orders, source aircraft parts, obtain and negotiate supplier quotes, and ensure orders are processed accurately and delivered on time.

The ideal candidate will excel in a fast-paced environment, coordinate with suppliers and internal departments, and maintain strict follow-up and decision-making to support busy daily purchasing workloads.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Ability to work full-time in Mesa office.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full purchasing process from supplier identification to delivery within budget.
• Request, compare, negotiate quotes; pricing, lead times, terms.
• Process accurate purchase orders with part numbers, quantities, certifications.
• Expedite orders, manage backorders, communicate delays.
• Support urgent AOG requirements by locating material and arranging expedited freight.
• Build vendor partnerships to ensure product availability and proper inventory levels.
• Collaborate with internal teams to resolve orders, pricing, documentation, and delivery issues.

Skills

Data entry accuracy

ERP systems

Excel & MS Office

Vendor negotiation

Prioritization & time management

Aviation parts knowledge

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or related field

Tools

SMART system

ERP platforms

Job description

Southern Cross Aviation is a parts distributor supporting general aviation customers worldwide through three warehouse locations across the United States. Our team is committed to supplying quality aircraft parts quickly and accurately to our customers.

We are seeking an experienced Purchasing / Buyer Agent to join our Purchasing Department at our new distribution operation in Mesa, Arizona. Reporting to the Senior Manager this position is a Monday-Friday role for a driven and detail-oriented professional who enjoys a fast-paced environment. You will manage a high volume of purchase orders, source aircraft parts, obtain and negotiate supplier quotes, and ensure orders are processed accurately and delivered on time.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working closely with both suppliers and internal departments. Success in this role requires consistent follow-up, good decision-making, and the ability to effectively manage a busy daily purchasing workload.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full purchasing process from identifying suppliers through final delivery, including vendor selection, price negotiations, purchase-order placement, and shipment follow-up, while staying within budget and meeting required timelines.
• Request, compare, and analyze vendor quotes for aircraft-part requests. Negotiate pricing, lead times, shipping terms, and availability.
• Process accurate purchase orders, verifying part numbers, quantities, conditions, pricing, required certifications, and vendor acknowledgments.
• Expedite orders, manage backorders, and communicate delays to internal teams.
• Support urgent AOG (Aircraft On The Ground) requirements by locating available material, arranging expedited freight, and monitoring delivery through completion.
• Build and manage strong vendor partnerships to confirm product availability, Negotiate competitive pricing, address receiving issues, and support proper inventory levels.
• Work closely with internal teams to resolve order, pricing, documentation, and delivery issues.

Technical and Professional Skills

• Exceptional data entry precision and attention to detail is essential for managing aviation part numbers and inventory records.
• Experience in using ERP platforms; training will be provided on our in-house SMART system for purchasing, inventory management, purchase order processing, and order tracking.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Professional written, verbal, telephone, and vendor-communication skills.
• Strong negotiation skills, particularly over the phone and by email. Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and follow up consistently on open orders.
• Familiarity with aviation parts, part numbers, certifications, supplier documentation, and freight coordination is ideal but will provide on the job training

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or a related field.
• A driven, dependable, and well-organized professional who can manage priorities independently in a high-volume environment.
• Prior exposure to aviation, aerospace, aircraft components, MRO operations, OEMs, or distribution is a plus but you DO NOT need to be an expert to start. We will provide training
• Ability to work full-time, Monday through Friday in person at our Mesa office.

Benefits and Compensation

• Competitive hourly pay of $22–$25 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions
• Paid time off
• Five paid holidays per year
• Opportunities for career growth within a stable global aviation organization

Southern Cross Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.