Buyer

Aston Carter•Janesville, WI

7d•$80,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer plays a key role in sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials used in the production process. This position focuses on preparing and administering purchase orders and subcontracts, maintaining compliance with government contracting requirements, and supporting cross-functional teams to ensure material availability, quality, and on-time delivery. The role offers a strong culture of mentorship and professional development within a collaborative purchasing and supply chain environment.

Requirements

5–10 years of comparable purchasing experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
Previous purchasing experience in a government contracting environment, including familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses.
Experience working with government contracts or government-regulated manufacturing operations.
Negotiation skills with a proven ability to manage and develop vendor relationships.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and understand Bills of Materials (BOMs).
Familiarity with various commodities and component manufacturing methods.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel, and other common office tools.
Demonstrated ability to administer purchase orders and subcontracts in compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience with FAR and DFARS requirements in a purchasing or supply chain role.
Experience in buying or purchasing functions within a regulated or defense-related environment.
Knowledge of supplier qualification processes and supplier performance improvement initiatives.
Experience participating in or supporting supplier audits, both internal and external.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Quality, and Production.
Interest in working in a culture that emphasizes mentorship, knowledge sharing, and long-term team development.

Responsibilities

Generate Requests for Quotes (RFQs) to source, monitor, and negotiate with suppliers during the bid process, securing optimal pricing, quality, and lead times for production materials.
Prepare, place, and administer purchase orders to ensure subcontractor compliance, including documentation of source justifications, certifications, and adherence to FAR/DFARS and Department of Defense (DoD) requirements.
Administer subcontracts and purchase orders to control costs, track performance, and ensure on-time delivery in support of program requirements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers, ensuring that all applicable program, company, compliance, engineering, quality, and technical specifications are clearly communicated and understood.
Lead the identification, qualification, and due diligence of suppliers, including evaluating alternatives and developing action plans to improve supplier performance and mitigate supplier risks.
Coordinate with suppliers to manage returns and replenishment of discrepant materials, minimizing impact to the production process and schedules.
Assist in internal and external supplier audits, supporting compliance, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Interface regularly with Suppliers, Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to maintain material availability and ensure smooth material flow through the production process.
Comply with safety regulations and maintain a clean, orderly, and organized work area.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support purchasing, supply chain, and program objectives.