Buyer

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• 1-2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, buying, sourcing, or a related supply chain function.
• Experience with supplier sourcing, evaluation, and/or qualification.
• Ability to analyze supplier pricing, costs, lead times, and performance to support purchasing decisions.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems; SAP experience is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Strong communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with suppliers, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and other internal departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting strategic sourcing or cost-reduction initiatives.
• Experience identifying or qualifying new suppliers and components.
• SAP experience.
• Inventory management experience.
• Experience purchasing materials or products from international/overseas suppliers.
• College education.
• Knowledge of raw materials, manufacturing processes, quality standards, production costs, and supply chain practices.
• Experience working within a manufacturing or production environment.

Work Environment

The role is 100% onsite, with working hours from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm, and flexibility if needed. The work environment is modern and professional, featuring a large office staff and open floor space with cubicles.

The workspace includes a three-sided desk and stand-up desk options. This is a growing company with positive changes and opportunities for career development. The Buyer/Planner will have key internal relationships with Customer Service, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Finance, Sales, and Operations.

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for supporting strategic sourcing and purchasing initiatives across the organization, with a focus on identifying, evaluating, and qualifying suppliers and components. This position partners closely with suppliers and internal teams to identify cost-saving opportunities, support Value Add projects, improve supplier performance, and ensure the organization maintains a reliable and competitive supply base.

The Buyer will evaluate supplier capabilities, pricing, lead times, quality, and overall performance while supporting sourcing decisions for raw materials, components, and other production requirements. This role will also utilize ERP/MRP systems, typically SAP, to manage purchasing activities, supplier information, material requirements, and related supply chain data.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new and existing suppliers based on cost, quality, capabilities, lead times, capacity, and delivery performance.
• Develop and support strategic sourcing initiatives designed to reduce material costs and improve overall supplier value.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams on Value Add and cost-reduction projects.
• Evaluate components and materials to identify alternative suppliers or sourcing opportunities that can improve cost, quality, availability, or lead times.
• Solicit and evaluate supplier quotes, compare pricing, and support supplier negotiations.
• Create and manage purchase orders for raw materials, components, and other required supplies.
• Monitor supplier performance and address issues related to pricing, quality, lead times, shortages, or delivery.
• Analyze purchasing data, supplier pricing, and material costs to identify opportunities for savings and process improvement.
• Support the qualification and implementation of new suppliers and components.
• Coordinate with Engineering on product or component changes, including the introduction of new materials and disposition of obsolete inventory.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, lead-time, and purchasing information within the ERP system.
• Work with suppliers to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and increased supply chain efficiency.
• Support material availability and inventory objectives while balancing cost, service, and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Sales, Customer Service, and Operations to support business objectives.
• Support domestic and international sourcing activities, including purchasing from overseas suppliers when applicable.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Rockford, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $28.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rockford,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.