Purchasing Agent

Job Title: Purchasing Agent

Job Description

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers that offer the best combination of reliability, product quality, and cost-efficiency. This role involves researching and assessing vendors, negotiating pricing and contract terms, and ensuring that all materials and services consistently meet the organization’s operational needs and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Research, identify, and evaluate potential suppliers based on reliability, product quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate vendor contracts, pricing, and terms to secure favorable agreements that support business objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure consistent performance, timely deliveries, and adherence to quality standards.
• Create, review, and process purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with internal teams to ensure materials and supplies are available to meet production needs.
• Utilize ERP and purchasing systems to track orders, manage procurement data, and maintain accurate records.
• Analyze supplier performance, pricing, and market trends to support informed purchasing decisions.
• Work closely with cross-functional departments to align purchasing activities with operational and business requirements.
• Address supply chain disruptions by identifying alternative suppliers or solutions to maintain continuity of operations.
• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with internal policies, procedures, and applicable standards.
• Maintain detailed documentation of contracts, agreements, and purchasing transactions for audit and reference purposes.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in purchasing or procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating vendor contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Excel.
• Hands-on experience using at least one purchasing or ERP system.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable pricing, terms, and agreements.
• Analytical thinking skills to compare suppliers, pricing, and data for informed decision-making.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills for interaction with vendors and internal teams.
• Excellent organization and time management skills to handle multiple orders, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
• High attention to detail to ensure accuracy in purchase orders, contracts, and inventory tracking.
• Problem-solving abilities to address supply chain disruptions and quickly identify alternative solutions.
• Technical proficiency with ERP systems, spreadsheets, and procurement software.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments to align purchasing activities with business needs.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret work instructions in English.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree or related experience in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous buying experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience with inventory management and MRP processes.
• Experience in vendor management and supplier performance evaluation.
• Interest in ongoing professional development, training, and growth within the organization.

Work Environment

This role is based 100% on-site at a manufacturing facility in Vineland, NJ. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a flexible one-hour lunch break. You will work in a professional office environment within a production setting, using Microsoft Office, ERP, and procurement systems as part of your daily responsibilities. The culture emphasizes collaboration, reliability, and continuous improvement, with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) with company match, generous paid time off, and structured opportunities for training and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vineland, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $34.62 - $40.87/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 Vineland,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 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.