DIRECT BUYER SPECIALIST — DRIVE SUPPLY CHAIN IMPACT IN A LEADING AEROSPACE ENVIRONMENT

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Direct Buyer Specialist to support our partnership with a leader in the aerospace industry. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to influence critical sourcing strategies, support new product introduction, and contribute to the development of a resilient, efficient supply chain. If you thrive in fast?paced, cross?functional environments and enjoy owning procurement activities from concept through delivery, this role is an exciting fit.

Role Summary

As a Direct Buyer Specialist, you will support new program sourcing activities, ensure alignment with commodity strategies, and manage procurement through early phases of product development. Your work directly supports cost?effective sourcing, supply chain sustainability, and strategic program success. This role is ideal for procurement professionals looking to deepen their expertise across supply chain disciplines while engaging with key stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Job Type: Full time; Consultant (24 Months)  Location: Hybrid - Rockford IL 61125 Schedule: Monday to Friday; First Shift 8AM-5PM Pay Rate: $32.35 per hour 

What You’ll Do

• Execute new program sourcing strategies and ensure alignment with commodity and cost?reduction plans
• Manage procurement activities during proposal and preliminary design phases
• Validate business case proposals for new programs
• Support programs through full development life cycle within an Integrated Product Team
• Communicate with stakeholders across the organization, including senior leadership
• Integrate with Supply Management teams to leverage commodity strategies
• Drive compliance with procurement procedures and contribute to standardized processes
• Manage large quote packages, perform bid analysis, and issue purchase orders
• Ensure delivery assurance for assigned suppliers and materials
• Demonstrate working knowledge of global logistics, including import/export requirements
• Interface directly with business unit customers, including Value Stream Leads
• Utilize SAP daily for procurement execution
• Work with complex Excel models and data to support decision?making
• Serve as the link between program development teams and supply chain operations

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience in procurement within a Supply Chain function
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage all organizational levels
• Proven experience managing procurement activities for new product development
• Ability to execute quote packages, bid analysis, PO placement, and delivery assurance
• Understanding of global logistics, including import/export processes
• SAP experience (required)
• Advanced Excel skills
• Ability to work effectively in cross?functional teams and Integrated Product Team environments
• This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.                                               

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Background in cost management or strategic sourcing
• Demonstrated experience working with senior leadership
• Familiarity with aerospace development programs or complex manufacturing environments

Why Join Us

At PDS Tech Commercial, you’ll be part of a company that values expertise, collaboration, and growth. We offer:
• Competitive hourly compensation — pay rate commensurate with experience
• A chance to work in a high?impact hybrid role in Rockford, IL
• Opportunities to build advanced skills in sourcing, negotiation, logistics, and supply chain strategy
• Exposure to cross?functional leadership and major program development
• A culture built on professionalism, innovation, and supporting your long?term career success
• The ability to collaborate with one of the most respected organizations in aerospace

This 12?month consulting role is an excellent platform for professionals who want to strengthen their supply chain foundations and contribute meaningfully to high?visibility aerospace programs.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are a driven procurement professional who excels in strategic environments and enjoys building strong supplier partnerships, we invite you to apply. Join PDS Tech Commercial and help shape the future of aerospace supply chain performance.

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