Strategic Sourcing Buyer Staff IV – Indirect Goods and Services

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary

The Supply Chain department manages all aspect of procurement for The Aerospace Corporation. As a Strategic Sourcing Buyer Level IV – Indirect Goods and Services (Procurement Staff IV), you will apply for your experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and category leadership to deliver value across multiple business areas. 

S/he will partner with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive operational efficiency, manage costs, and support innovation while ensuring compliance with corporate and government procurement requirements.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA or Houston, TX. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the sourcing and procurement of indirect goods and services to drive competitive value, supplier performance, and operational excellence across the enterprise
• Evaluate and improve sourcing activities, analyzing supplier performance, market conditions, and cost structures to identify opportunities for efficiency and innovation
• Conduct formal market analysis to assess market trends, behaviors, and cost drivers to support sourcing strategy development
• Develop negotiation strategies, contract structures, and pricing models to ensure best value outcomes and risk mitigation
• Administer sourcing events (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs), lead supplier selection, and manage negotiations and award processes in alignment with category strategies
• Forecast and plan product and service demand for assigned categories and contracts, ensuring alignment with business needs
• Implement procedures and tools to continuously evaluate supplier performance, cost competitiveness, and deliverability
• Manage post-award supplier performance through Supplier Relationship Management, continuous improvement initiatives, and innovation across assigned categories

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Strategic Sourcing Buyer Level IV – Indirect Goods and Services (Procurement Staff IV) include:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain or related field is required
• A minimum of (6) years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or supplier management is required

• Exceptional skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, ensuring efficient document preparation, data analysis, and communication are required

• In-depth understanding and hands-on experience managing the full procurement lifecycle—from developing sourcing strategies to effective supplier management

• Proven ability to design, implement, and sustain rigorous procurement schedules, ensuring timely completion and superior coordination of projects

• Strong financial acumen coupled with analytical prowess to craft comprehensive pricing strategies, perform robust bid evaluations, and substantiate pricing reasonableness

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced proficiency with Ariba and SAP systems, leveraging these platforms to streamline procurement processes and enhance strategic sourcing efficiency is strongly preferred

• Proven track record in the aerospace sector, adept at navigating its unique regulatory and quality standards to support effective procurement operations is desirable

• Demonstrated ability to establish and manage comprehensive strategic purchasing agreements across a range of indirect categories, including office supplies; IT materials and services; marketing services; capital expenditures; HR-related services (recruitment, training, contract labor); travel management services; professional consulting; facilities maintenance, repair, and operations; as