Purchasing Agent

Aston Carter•Lincoln, NE

4d•$70,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Purchasing Agent plays a key role in a high-volume consumer products manufacturing facility in Lincoln, NE, managing complex procurement activities for machinery, equipment, tooling, repairs, parts, and specialized components. This full-time, on-site role focuses on securing high-quality goods and services at optimal value, supporting production, quality, and cost objectives while working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The position offers a strong work culture, clear career growth paths, and a comprehensive benefits package in a stable, team-oriented environment.

Requirements

5–10 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or buyer experience in a manufacturing-related environment, with a focus on managing complex commodities and supplier relationships.
Demonstrated experience in purchasing and procurement, including quoting, negotiating, placing orders, expediting, and resolving quality and delivery issues.
Strong experience in manufacturing quality or experience in automotive, agricultural, vehicle, or similar manufacturing environments.
Proven ability to manage significant inventory and spend levels, in the range of tens of millions of dollars per buyer, while maintaining budget and performance targets.
Experience interacting with multiple suppliers simultaneously, typically 10–20, and managing supplier performance in terms of quality, delivery, cost, and service.
Proficiency with computers and common business applications, including strong skills in Excel.
Ability to work with supply chain and purchasing software systems for ordering, tracking, and managing procurement activities.
Capability to read and comprehend blueprints and technical drawings to ensure purchased components meet required specifications.
Strong negotiation skills, with experience handling pricing, terms, and delivery discussions with suppliers.
Effective communication skills for working with internal customers and external suppliers, including clear written and verbal correspondence.
Organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple commodities, projects, and supplier relationships simultaneously.
Willingness and ability to travel on an as-needed basis, including maintaining or obtaining a valid passport for potential international travel.
Ability to work full-time on-site in an office and manufacturing environment, adhering to established schedules and operational requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and 2–3 years of related experience.
Bachelor of Science degree in Business or a related discipline such as science, engineering, or communications, combined with strong relevant experience in purchasing or supply chain.
Experience procuring electrical components and parts, including wiring harnesses, audio and stereo components, and other specialized items.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and quality standards in industries such as automotive, agricultural equipment, or other vehicle-related production.
Experience using supply chain software and custom purchasing systems for ordering, tracking, and reporting.
Ability to analyze cost, quality, and delivery data to support supplier selection and continuous improvement initiatives.
Comfort working with large datasets and budgets, with attention to accuracy and detail in financial and inventory-related information.
Flexibility to occasionally work additional hours, including weekends or holidays, based on workload and personal preference for overtime.
Interest in professional growth, with the ambition to advance into agent, supervisor, or manager roles over time.
Openness to relocation, with support available for candidates moving from over 60 miles away, including interview travel reimbursement and relocation assistance.

Responsibilities

Perform a wide range of procurement activities to source machinery, equipment, tooling, repairs, parts, and other goods and services that deliver the best overall value in terms of quality, cost, and reliability.
Evaluate, coordinate, and monitor incoming and outgoing shipments to ensure efficient operations, maintaining strict standards for quality, cost control, and on-time delivery.
Manage the full lifecycle of assigned commodities, from initial concept through completion, including supplier selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management related to quality, delivery, cost, and service.
Handle day-to-day purchasing functions such as obtaining quotes, negotiating pricing and terms, issuing purchase orders, resolving quality and delivery issues, expediting orders when necessary, and maintaining alignment with the purchasing budget.
Correspond regularly with internal customers to understand requirements, clarify specifications, and ensure procurement activities support production schedules and business objectives.
Communicate with external suppliers to confirm order details, delivery timelines, quality expectations, and corrective actions when issues arise, maintaining professional and productive vendor relationships.
Research, identify, and recommend specialized resources, suppliers, and solutions inside or outside the organization to effectively meet unique or complex purchasing needs.
Procure parts and electrical components, including items such as wiring harnesses and audio/stereo components, ensuring they meet technical specifications and quality standards.
Effectively manage significant inventory and spend levels, typically in the range of $30–40 million per buyer, ensuring accurate tracking and alignment with budget and inventory targets.
Interact with approximately 10–20 suppliers on a regular basis, maintaining clear communication, negotiating favorable terms, and monitoring performance and compliance.
Participate in project management activities related to new products, process improvements, or supplier transitions, coordinating timelines, deliverables, and procurement-related tasks.
Use supply chain and purchasing software systems to create, track, and manage orders, monitor inventory and delivery status, and support data-driven procurement decisions.
Read and comprehend technical drawings and blueprints as needed to ensure purchased components meet engineering and manufacturing specifications.
Conduct negotiations with suppliers on pricing, delivery schedules, and contract terms to achieve cost savings and performance improvements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, and quality, to resolve issues, support new initiatives, and align procurement strategies with organizational goals.
Maintain accurate documentation and records for purchasing activities, including quotes, contracts, purchase orders, and supplier performance data.
Support continuous improvement efforts within the supply chain and purchasing function by identifying opportunities to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance supplier performance.
Travel domestically and occasionally internationally on an as-needed basis, typically about once per quarter, to visit suppliers, attend meetings, and support procurement and project activities.