Buyer
Aston CarterJob Title: Buyer Job Description The Buyer coordinates purchasing activities with manufacturing and engineering teams to acquire inventory in a cost-effective and timely manner. This role requires a strong technical understanding of mechanical and electronic parts, careful cost analysis, and volume planning for major commodities. The Buyer develops and manages supplier relationships, monitors subcontracts for cost, schedule, and scope, and recommends cost-saving initiatives such as make-versus-buy analyses and alternative sourcing strategies. The position involves frequent interaction with internal and external stakeholders, requiring sound judgment within established procedures and practices. This is a 1-year contract role with the possibility of extension and requires legal authorization to work in the United States, as employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Responsibilities Coordinate purchasing activities with manufacturing and engineering departments to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of inventory. Acquire and maintain a strong technical understanding of the mechanical and electronic products and components being purchased. Perform cost analysis and volume planning for major commodities to support budgeting and forecasting. Obtain materials, components, equipment, and services in alignment with quality, cost, and delivery requirements. Develop new supply sources when existing vendors and suppliers do not adequately meet business needs. Monitor the cost, schedule, and scope of assigned subcontracts to ensure the highest quality at the best overall value. Recommend cost-saving proposals, including make-versus-buy analyses, alternative sourcing options, and vendor evaluation criteria. Manage purchase orders, including creation, tracking, and follow-up, to ensure on-time delivery and material readiness. Perform invoice matching and resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, receipts, and invoices. Use ERP systems to track purchase orders and maintain accurate procurement records. Prepare and analyze data using Excel, including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs, to support purchasing decisions and reporting. Work on issues of moderate scope, analyzing situations and data by reviewing relevant factors to determine appropriate actions. Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to address purchasing and supply chain challenges. Receive assignments in the form of objectives and goals and follow defined processes to meet those goals. Follow general instructions on routine work and detailed instructions on new projects or assignments. Frequently interact with peers and internal customers to gain cooperation, share information, and coordinate project activities. Conduct presentations or discussions of technical information and project activities with internal and external stakeholders. Build and maintain productive working relationships with suppliers, internal teams, and other business partners. Ensure material readiness to support production schedules and minimize supply disruptions. Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations related to purchasing and supply chain operations. Essential Skills 35 years of buying or purchasing experience, preferably in a manufacturing or supply chain environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the use of VLOOKUP and pivot tables for data analysis and reporting. Experience using an ERP system to track purchase orders, ideally SAP or Epicor. Hands-on experience with purchasing mechanical and electronic parts. Strong understanding of purchasing, procurement, and purchase order processes. Ability to perform invoice matching and resolve discrepancies between purchase orders, receipts, and invoices. Experience with PO tracking and ensuring timely delivery of materials and components. Familiarity with bills of materials (BOMs) and their role in material planning and purchasing. Ability to assess material readiness and s…