Buyer

Aston Carter

21h•Onsite

About The Position

As a key member of the Materials Management team, the Buyer / Planner (Mid-Level) supports end-to-end procurement and planning for a range of manufacturing components and non-production supplies. This role analyzes planning requirements, places and manages purchase and work orders, and helps develop proactive procurement strategies that support the overall supply chain. The Buyer / Planner builds and maintains strong supplier relationships to ensure on-time delivery, quality, and cost-effectiveness, while collaborating closely with internal departments to meet customer demand and production schedules.

Requirements

3 to 5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or buying, ideally with full cycle buying and planning responsibilities.
Experience purchasing electronic components, optical components, and metal parts in a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Materials Resource Planning systems.
Strong experience in purchasing, procurement, and purchase order management within a supply chain or materials management function.
Ability to manage inventory using strategies such as reorder points, lead-time analysis, and min/max quantities.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including IF statements, pivot tables, and VLOOKUP.
Proficient computer skills with Windows-based applications, including Outlook, Internet Explorer, Word, and Excel.
Proficient customer experience skills, with a commitment to meeting on-time delivery and quality expectations.
Proficient systems analysis skills, with the ability to understand how changes in conditions, operations, and environment affect outcomes.
Expert organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple orders and many moving pieces simultaneously.
Proficient complex problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
Proficient negotiation skills to explore alternatives, align interests, and reach mutually beneficial agreements with suppliers.
Knowledge of transportation principles and methods for moving goods by air, rail, or road, including understanding relative costs and benefits.
Ability to review financial information related to purchasing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable standards, rules, and internal controls.
Strong business acumen, with awareness of current and future trends, policies, practices, and innovations that affect the role and support company goals.

Nice To Haves

Experience in manufacturing purchasing is highly desirable and distinguishes top candidates.
Demonstrated experience performing full cycle buying and planning, from requirements analysis through supplier management and delivery follow-up.
Familiarity with product knowledge concepts, including understanding the application, function, features, use, and support requirements of manufactured goods.
Ability to support and align with broader company strategies and objectives related to supply chain, quality, and cost management.
Comfort working cross-functionally with engineering, production, finance, and other departments to resolve issues and support operational goals.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing and executing a proactive procurement strategy for all manufacturing components and non-production supplies that supports the company’s overall supply chain objectives.
Prepare, review, edit, and issue accurate purchase orders and change notices using Material Requirements Planning (MRP), reorder points, and other inventory management strategies.
Manage purchasing for an assigned segment of components and non-production supplies in line with company policies and strategies, taking into account lead times, minimum/maximum quantities, the Master Production Schedule, and sales orders.
Expedite the procurement of parts and materials that are in short or critical supply to avoid production delays and support on-time delivery.
Maintain positive, professional working relationships with suppliers and communicate recurring supplier issues to Materials Management leadership and other internal stakeholders.
Monitor, track, and provide feedback on supplier and vendor performance in terms of overall cost, delivery reliability, and quality, and recommend improvements where needed.
Arrange for the disposal of surplus materials and support product discontinuation plans to minimize waste and optimize cost of goods sold.
Maintain accurate files and records of current and potential suppliers, materials, prices, delivery dates, and inventories as needed.
Work with colleagues in related materials and purchasing roles to resolve issues related to purchasing, delivery, receiving, and payment, identify the root cause of problems, and implement appropriate corrective actions.
Provide backup technical buying support to various internal departments, ensuring continuity of purchasing activities during peak demand or staff absences.
Document procurement processes and assist in creating and maintaining the Master Production Schedule (MPS), supporting MRP and item master data to ensure timely product delivery and accurate, current delivery dates.
Follow the Quality Assurance Manual and adhere to approved quality standards and procedures, maintaining required quality records for the area of responsibility.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment by following all procedures, rules, and regulations, and promptly resolving unsafe conditions.
Administer contracts and bid schedules, ensuring that all contractual requirements are met by both suppliers and the organization.
Ensure contracted prices and expiration dates are accurately reflected in quotation files and in the system.
Troubleshoot issues related to equipment, transactions, and processes, and determine solutions using structured problem-solving methods, including root cause analysis, preventive actions, and process mapping.
Communicate effectively within and outside the department to foster strong interdepartmental collaboration and information flow.
Cross-train in various Materials Management positions to provide backup coverage for peak workloads, vacations, or absences.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall effectiveness of the Materials Management and Supply Chain functions.