Associate Buyer

Aston Carter•San Diego, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Buyer supports day-to-day purchasing activities by reviewing requisitions, issuing purchase orders, and coordinating closely with Production, Quality, and Engineering teams to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of inventory. This role plays a key part in maintaining accurate procurement data, supporting supplier relationships, and contributing to a structured, process-driven supply chain function. This onsite role in San Diego offers exposure to international procurement operations and provides a strong foundation for a long-term career in purchasing and supply chain management. This is a contract position to cover a maternity leave.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in supply chain, business, or a related field.
Experience with purchase requisition and purchase order processing.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for reporting, analysis, and tracking.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Windows).
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with internal teams and suppliers.
Demonstrated ability to analyze supplier quotations and negotiate pricing and delivery terms.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and system maintenance.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and high volumes of purchase orders.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve supplier, delivery, and system-related issues.
Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Accounting, Logistics, EHS, and other departments.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related discipline.
Experience with SAP or a similar ERP system.
Familiarity with international procurement and global supply chains (Japan–US experience is a plus).
Experience coordinating with local and regional suppliers for services such as parts cleaning and analysis.
Ability to work effectively in a structured, process-driven procurement environment.
Interest in developing long-term buying and supply chain expertise.

Responsibilities

Review and analyze purchase requisitions for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with business requirements.
Coordinate purchasing activities with Production, Quality, and Engineering to support inventory needs.
Process purchase requisitions and manage purchase orders from initiation through delivery confirmation.
Prepare, issue, and manage Requests for Quotes (RFQs), ensuring competitive pricing and delivery terms.
Secure and analyze supplier quotations; negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with domestic and offshore suppliers.
Maintain accurate procurement system data, including part parameters, supplier records, quote tables, and part/supplier codes.
Monitor and resolve procurement system error reports and data discrepancies.
Communicate regularly with internal stakeholders, including Accounting, Logistics, and EHS, to ensure smooth purchasing operations.
Research and develop new supply sources when current suppliers are no longer competitive or when additional capacity is required.
Coordinate with local and regional suppliers (including Bay Area partners) on parts cleaning, analysis, and on-time delivery.
Track open orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and resolution of delivery or quality issues.
Prepare backorder reports and other purchasing status updates for management as requested.
Monitor supplier inventory levels when applicable and support supplier inventory control efforts.
Ensure compliance with purchase contracts, company policies, and agreed-upon terms and conditions.
Utilize advanced Excel skills to perform quote analysis, generate reports, and track backlog and order status.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support procurement and supply chain operations.