Purchasing Manager

Job Title: Purchasing, Shipping Logistics and Spare Parts ManagerJob Description

The Purchasing, Shipping Logistics and Spare Parts Manager oversees purchasing activities, cost management analysis and reporting, and supports inbound and outbound logistics for raw materials and finished products. This role also manages spare parts quotations and processes approved purchase orders from existing clients, ensuring materials and products are sourced, shipped, and delivered accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with project management and engineering teams to gather all details related to purchasing requirements and ensure materials meet project specifications.
• Negotiate, establish, and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure purchase orders align with specifications, schedules, and detailing standards.
• Provide raw material and buyout cost estimates to project management and sales personnel to support accurate project pricing and budgeting.
• Manage purchasing and job cost information, ensuring data is accurate, up to date, and accessible for reporting and analysis.
• Capture, analyze, and report historical purchasing and cost data to support continuous improvement and informed decision-making.
• Oversee the proper receipt of raw materials and buyouts and coordinate with accounts receivable for accurate entry of received materials.
• Assist with accounting and finance projects as needed, supporting cost tracking, reporting, and related financial activities.
• Coordinate logistics, shipment, and delivery of raw materials and buyouts to the fabrication facility, ensuring timely and accurate arrivals.
• Coordinate logistics, shipment, and delivery of finished products to client facilities across various project locations.
• Assist clients with ordering spare parts by developing detailed quotes, providing lead times, and accepting and processing purchase orders.
• Maintain clear, effective, and respectful communication with internal teams, vendors, and clients to resolve issues and ensure smooth operations.
• Use basic accounting and finance skills to support purchasing decisions, cost analysis, and reporting.
• Apply mechanical aptitude and familiarity with manufacturing and fabrication processes to evaluate materials, components, and vendor offerings.
• Utilize computer systems, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, and accounting platforms, to manage purchasing data, reports, and documentation.
• Support a culture focused on quality products, ethical practices, fair pricing, and long-term relationships with clients and vendors.

Essential Skills

• At least 5+ years of experience in purchasing and logistics, preferably within fabrication and manufacturing environments.
• Experience in purchasing, procurement, and material planning, including creating and managing purchase orders.
• Demonstrated background in logistics and supply chain management, including coordination of inbound and outbound shipments.
• Strong skills in contract negotiation and cost analysis to secure favorable terms and manage budgets effectively.
• Basic accounting and finance skills to support cost management, reporting, and collaboration with finance personnel.
• Experience working with raw materials and buyouts in a project-based manufacturing or metal fabrication setting.
• Ability to manage purchasing and job cost information and analyze historical cost data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access for data management, reporting, and documentation.
• Clear, effective, and respectful communication skills with internal teams, vendors, and clients.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently with self-motivation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing experience specifically in fabrication and manufacturing is preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in accounting or finance-related functions is preferred.
• Associate degree in accounting, finance, or business is preferred but not required.
• Experience with Sage accounting platform is a plus.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience in manufacturing or engineering environments are a plus.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and blueprint reading is preferred.
• background in metal fabrication, manufacturing industry operations, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) buying is beneficial.
• Ability to work effectively in a horizontal management structure and contribute as a team player.
• Interest in supporting projects in renewable and alternative energy and other impactful industrial sectors.

Work Environment

This role operates within an engineering and process equipment manufacturing company with over three decades of industrial and commercial experience, headquartered in the Portland, Oregon area of the Pacific Northwest. The organization delivers projects across the country and some internationally, with a focus on engineered wood, sawmill, pulp and paper, biomass densification, electrical generation, and process heating facilities. Product offerings include rotary dryer systems, heat energy systems, power generation systems, densification systems, bulk materials handling systems, and emission control systems. The team consists of approximately 14 employees plus consultants, and annual revenue ranges from about $3 million to $12 million. The culture is tenured and collaborative, with a horizontal management structure that emphasizes quality products, ethical practices, fair pricing, and long-term relationships over rapid growth. The company is financially stable, maintains zero debt with a strong line of credit, and benefits from a high level of referrals and repeat business. Employees enjoy 6 paid holidays, 5 days of PTO/sick time per year, and a vacation structure that increases with tenure: less than 3 years of service earns 10 days (80 hours), greater than 3 but less than 10 years earns 15 days (120 hours), and more than 10 years earns 20 days (160 hours). Health insurance is provided through an employer-paid plan after a 90-day probation period. Yearly bonuses vary based on company profitability, length of employment, and job performance, with typical ranges communicated transparently. Compensation is structured around a base hourly rate with a multiplier applied to account for holidays, PTO, and vacation, which increases with tenure. The environment supports impactful industries such as renewable and alternative energy, and encourages team members who value quality, relationships, and ethical practices. Dress code expectations align with a professional manufacturing and engineering setting appropriate for working around fabrication equipment and industrial projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Helens, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 Saint Helens,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.