Aviation Buyer II

The Aviation Buyer II at Amentum is responsible for procuring materials and services, establishing supplier relationships, negotiating prices and delivery terms, and ensuring compliance with company policies and federal regulations. This position also involves communication with requesters regarding procurement statuses and assisting with complex requirements, making it crucial for candidates interested in this role to have experience in aviation buying and excellent organizational skills.

To apply for the Aviation Buyer II position at Amentum, candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Additionally, three years of experience in a procurement role is required, with a preference for candidates who have aviation buying experience in a non-manufacturing setting. US citizenship is also required due to federal contracting.

While prior experience working with a Federal Government Contractor is preferred for the Aviation Buyer II role at Amentum, it is not explicitly required. However, having this background can be beneficial, as it provides familiarity with federal acquisition regulations, which are important for compliance in this position.

Successful candidates for the Aviation Buyer II role at Amentum should possess strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to effectively communicate with suppliers and stakeholders. Excellent written and oral communication skills, combined with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks under pressure, are also crucial. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word, is expected for compiling reports and managing information.

As an Aviation Buyer II at Amentum, you can expect a supportive and collaborative remote-telework environment, allowing for flexibility and work-life balance. Even while working remotely, you will be part of a team that values communication and teamwork, fostering an atmosphere where your contributions support the company's overall goals and objectives.

When answering this question, focus on specific instances from your prior job that demonstrate your purchasing capabilities in aviation. Speak about the types of materials and components you purchased, the negotiation processes you engaged in, and how you ensured compliance with relevant regulations. Highlight any relevant achievements or cost-saving initiatives that positively impacted your previous employer.

To effectively answer this question, explain your strategy for managing urgent requests versus longer-term projects. Discuss your use of tools or methods for tracking deadlines, such as to-do lists or project management software. Providing an example of a time when you successfully managed competing priorities can also showcase your organizational skills.

Discuss specific tactics you have employed in negotiations, such as researching supplier market rates, building relationships for long-term cooperation, and identifying win-win scenarios. Be prepared to share a successful negotiation from your past experiences to illustrate your approach and its effectiveness.

Highlight any previous experience you have with federal regulations and share how you stay updated with changes in the laws. Discuss the importance of meticulous record-keeping and adherence to established procurement procedures. You might mention specific tools or checklists you use to verify compliance before finalizing purchase orders.

Choose a situation that demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and resilience. Describe the challenge, your approach to resolving it, and the outcome. Focusing on how you overcame difficulties and what you learned from the experience can showcase your strengths as an Aviation Buyer II.

Discuss common supplier performance metrics, such as on-time delivery rates, quality of goods received, and responsiveness to inquiries. Share how you monitor these metrics and use them to make decisions about future orders or to address underperformance.

Explain your approach to communication and collaboration with the supplier first. Discuss how you would assess the reasons for the delay and work collaboratively to create a solution. Highlight the importance of maintaining a good working relationship while ensuring that project timelines are met.

List any procurement management software, ERP systems, or tools you have experience with, emphasizing how these have aided your efficiency. If you have experience with Microsoft applications, particularly Excel, be sure to mention how you've utilized them for data analysis or reporting.

Emphasize that communication is essential throughout the procurement process. Discuss how you maintain transparency with suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring everyone is informed about procurement statuses, decisions, and any challenges that arise. Strong communication can prevent misunderstandings and foster better working relationships.

This is your chance to express your passion for the aviation industry and how Amentum's mission aligns with your career goals. Talk about their commitment to integrity and equal opportunity, and how you believe that your skills can contribute positively to the team's success.