Engineering Commodity Buyer

This role manages over $30M in annual spend within the Machining, Fabrications, and Special Processes category, focusing on aerospace CNC machined metal components, sheet metal forming, and special processes such as paint, anodizing, coatings, and corrosion protection. The position leads strategic sourcing, supplier selection, and contract negotiation to ensure high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective supply, ideally within North America to mitigate tariffs.

Responsibilities

• Manage category strategies for Machining, Fabrications, and Special Processes to maximize value based on business needs and supply market understanding.
• Build and maintain in-depth knowledge of the aerospace supply market, particularly CNC machine shops, sheet metal forming suppliers, and special process providers (paint, anodizing, coatings, corrosion protectants).
• Source and select suppliers capable of producing CNC machined metal components and fabricated parts that meet aerospace quality standards and customer specifications.
• Negotiate and finalize contracts with suppliers, including terms and conditions, warranty provisions, Incoterms, pricing, and delivery terms, with a focus on on-time delivery, quality, and tariff avoidance through North American sourcing.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives across multiple sites using RFx processes and other methodologies to establish fit-for-purpose supply contracts.
• Capture and incorporate specific business and technical requirements into RFx documents and sourcing packages.
• Lead the implementation of pan-business line contracts and ensure site-level purchasing teams can effectively use these contracts.
• Evaluate ongoing contract performance and supplier compliance, monitoring key performance indicators and driving continuous improvement.
• Segment suppliers within the category and develop strategies to engage, incentivize, and manage their performance.
• Establish and maintain supplier governance structures, supported by relevant data and attended by empowered representatives from both organizations.
• Conduct detailed expenditure analysis, including cost and price analysis, to inform category strategies and identify savings opportunities on multi-million-dollar expenditures.
• Analyze supply market trends and benchmark supplier performance to support sourcing decisions and risk management.
• Use advanced Excel skills to perform data analysis, comparisons, and scenario modeling to support recommendations and decision-making.
• Prepare and present clear, data-driven recommendations on supplier selection, contract terms, and category strategies to stakeholders.
• Support bid activity when there is a significant category requirement, ensuring sourcing strategies align with bid needs and timelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, and site procurement, to align sourcing strategies with technical and operational requirements.
• Travel up to approximately 30% of the time to visit supplier sites, strengthen supplier relationships, and conduct on-site assessments.
• Drive procurement savings and value creation through strategic negotiation, supplier consolidation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate a hands-on, delivery-focused approach, following through on actions and ensuring category strategies are fully executed.
• Act as a key member of the corporate procurement team, contributing to best practices, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement in strategic procurement.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience sourcing within the Machining, Fabrications, and Special Processes category, including aerospace CNC machined metal components and sheet metal forming.
• At least 5 years of experience in supplier selection for CNC machined metal components, fabricated parts, and special processes such as paint, anodizing, coatings, and corrosion protection.
• At least 5 years of experience negotiating contracts focused on on-time delivery, aerospace quality, customer specifications, and competitive pricing, with a preference for North American suppliers to avoid tariffs.
• At least 5 years of advanced Excel experience, including data analysis, cost and price comparison, and decision support.
• Approximately 5 years of experience in sourcing and procurement, with deep knowledge of current strategic procurement techniques.
• Proven track record of identifying and delivering procurement savings on multi-million-dollar expenditures.
• Strong knowledge of strategic procurement and category management practices, including RFx processes, supplier segmentation, and contract management.
• High-quality communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence stakeholders and present data-driven recommendations.
• Highly commercial mindset with the ability to use procurement as a lever to unlock value for the business.
• Delivery-focused, pragmatic, and hands-on approach to executing procurement and category strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed analysis and make recommendations based on data and experience in aerospace machined metal components and contract manufacturers/job shops.
• Willingness and ability to travel to supplier sites, including up to approximately 30% travel.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to support internal stakeholders effectively.
• Proficiency in data entry and project coordination related to procurement activities.

Qualifications

• Relevant business experience in the commercial aerospace sector, particularly with knowledge of key customer programs.
• Experience working within large aerospace supply chains, such as major OEMs or tier-one suppliers, in a commodity management role for machined or formed metal components.
• Relevant professional qualifications such as CIPS or similar procurement certifications are highly valued.
• Degrees in relevant disciplines such as supply chain management, business, engineering, or related fields are highly valued.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable procurement strategies.
• Demonstrated grit and persistence, with a track record of following through, driving for results, and overcoming obstacles in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, fostering collaboration and long-term partnerships.
• Experience supporting bid and proposal activities where significant category requirements are involved.

Work Environment

The role is based in an aerospace engine manufacturing environment with a large, collaborative office space dedicated to procurement. The culture emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and close collaboration between corporate procurement and site-level purchasing teams. The company is experiencing rapid growth, with record performance in recent years and a strong outlook driven by robust business jet sales, creating significant opportunities for career development and advancement.

The typical schedule consists of nine-hour workdays from Monday through Thursday and half days on Friday, with flexibility for proven performers. A hybrid work arrangement is available, and the Commodity Buyer is not required to be on-site every day. The position involves regular interaction with aerospace CNC machine shops and sheet metal suppliers, including travel to supplier facilities to conduct visits, strengthen relationships, and support supplier governance. The environment is professional, fast-paced, and growth-oriented, offering exposure to advanced aerospace manufacturing and strategic procurement practices.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $43.00 per hour.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include the following:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 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)

Schedule

This is a contract position based in Phoenix, AZ, with a typical schedule of nine-hour workdays from Monday through Thursday and half days on Friday. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement and requires up to 30% travel to supplier sites.