Buyer
Aston CarterJob Title: BuyerJob Description
The Buyer is responsible for planning and managing the replenishment process by purchasing materials that support production schedules. This role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure production plans are executed effectively through supplier negotiation, purchasing, order execution, logistics management, and data-driven decision making. The Bu
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yer plays a key role in maintaining reliable supply, optimizing costs, and supporting manufacturing excellence in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
• Plan and manage the replenishment process by purchasing materials that support production schedules and delivery commitments.
• Collaborate with planners, production teams, and other departments to ensure production plans are executed effectively and on time.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend suppliers by researching availability, quality, pricing, and service options.
• Develop bidder lists and initiate requests for quotes and proposals to support sourcing decisions.
• Evaluate supplier performance, quality, and pricing, and conduct audits as needed to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers to schedule deliveries, resolve issues, and manage vendor performance to meet production and inventory goals.
• Track and expedite deliveries to prevent material shortages or project delays.
• Maintain effective, professional relationships with suppliers to support long-term partnerships and reliable supply.
• Execute purchase orders and manage MRP processes within the ERP system.
• Perform cost and price analysis and negotiate contracts to secure favorable terms, pricing, and lead times.
• Reconcile quotes and invoices, authorize payments, and maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
• Manage backorders, vendor returns, and non-conforming items, ensuring timely resolution and minimal impact to production.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with planners and production teams to meet delivery goals and avoid stockouts or excess inventory.
• Perform value-cost analysis and drive cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining required quality and service levels.
• Maintain accurate part setup data, including cost, lead times, and purchasing factors, within the ERP and related systems.
• Assist with additional duties as needed to support company objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote company policies and uphold standards of attendance, conduct, and professional behavior.
• Maintain clear, constructive communication and teamwork across departments, providing feedback and encouraging suggestions for improvement.
• Support cross-training and knowledge sharing to build team capability and coverage.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and proprietary data.
• Ensure equipment used in purchasing and planning activities is in good working order and that work areas remain clean, organized, and efficient.
Essential Skills
• Minimum of 5+ years of related experience, preferably in an electronics or contract manufacturing environment, with direct purchasing or buyer responsibilities.
• Strong purchasing and procurement skills, including purchase order creation, supplier management, and cost analysis.
• Experience with supply chain processes, process planning, and scheduling in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP software and the ability to interact with and utilize ERP systems for purchasing and MRP activities.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central or similar ERP platforms.
• Advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, reporting, and data analysis.
• Ability to perform data-driven decision making to support purchasing, inventory management, and cost optimization.
• Solid understanding of purchase order execution, logistics coordination, and delivery tracking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with suppliers and internal st