Buyer

Aston Carter•Sugar Land, TX

5d•$30 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer is responsible for procuring materials, components, supplies, equipment, and services at the most favorable costs and terms. This contract-to-hire position is based in Sugar Land, Texas, and is fully onsite. The candidate will work in the office 70% of the time and in the shop 20% of the time to assist vendors and address team questions. The Buyer ensures the continuous supply of required goods and materials, manages supplier relationships and performance, negotiates favorable contracts and terms, and identifies cost-saving opportunities. The role also supports projects and product changes, communicates supply and capacity risks, prepares purchase orders, and mentors an Assistant Buyer. The hourly pay range is $30.00–$35.00. Eligible benefits for this temporary role may include medical, dental and vision coverage; critical illness, accident and hospital coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a Health Spending Account; transportation benefits; an Employee Assistance Program; and time off or leave. Eligibility and availability depend on job classification, length of employment, elections, and applicable plan or program terms.

Requirements

Purchasing and procurement experience.
Experience with purchase orders and supply chain.
Project coordination skills.
Proficiency in ERP and SAP systems.
Experience in project management within a manufacturing environment.
A bachelor's degree in Business or 3–5 years of purchasing experience.
Strong negotiation skills and buying experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Ability to work independently.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Expertise in negotiating cost, terms, and conditions.
Excellent computer skills, including MRP/ERP and MS Office.
Extensive experience running procurement competitions as part of cost-reduction initiatives.
Expertise in supplier performance management related to cost, schedule, and quality.
Expertise in inventory management strategies.

Nice To Haves

SAP experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure a continuous supply of required goods and materials, and communicate supply problems that may risk or affect business operations.
Monitor market trends, competitor strategies, and market suppliers.
Research and evaluate opportunities to reduce costs.
Deliver briefs, updates, and reports as required.
Develop creative and innovative procurement processes.
Formulate strategies to improve operational efficiency, add value, support business performance, and drive continuous improvement.
Negotiate contracts and improve supplier prices and business terms, using procurement best practices to identify savings.
Assess and evaluate suppliers, conduct performance reviews, ensure contract compliance, and manage performance improvement activities.
Maintain a professional and consistent approach in supplier relationships.
Prepare purchase orders in line with final supplier negotiations and organizational targets and requirements.
Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery, or invoice issues.
Mentor and coach the Assistant Buyer to support their career and professional development.
Collaborate and negotiate with stakeholders and suppliers on new projects, supplies, and initiatives, and advise on the impact of changes to purchasing and production activities.
Stay current on changes affecting the supply and demand of needed products and materials, and advise others of any impact.
Attend meetings and update others on issues or concerns, particularly risks to meeting customer demands or over-capacity concerns.
Support product change requests and review and communicate their impact on capacity plans.
Build, maintain, and manage supplier relationships and ensure good communication.
Comply with Health, Safety and Environmental Policies.