Senior Buyer

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The Senior Buyer oversees commodity procurement and key supplier relationships, ensuring cost-effective purchasing and on-time delivery of materials and services. This role requires strong negotiation capabilities, supplier management expertise, and the ability to leverage market insight and data analysis to maintain optimal inventory levels and support production and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Send Requests for Quotation (RFQs) to potential suppliers for required materials, analyze supplier quotes, and negotiate pricing and delivery terms to achieve the best overall value.
• Monitor market trends and apply strong decision-making skills to secure favorable purchasing conditions and mitigate supply risks.
• Work within an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to collect, analyze, and summarize data trends that support inventory planning and purchasing decisions.
• Run Material Requirements Planning (MRP) daily to ensure appropriate inventory levels are maintained in alignment with production schedules and business needs.
• Prepare accurate and complete Purchase Orders (POs) by verifying specifications and pricing, and monitor and expedite POs based on inventory levels and production requirements.
• Obtain recommendations from suppliers for substitute materials when needed and secure approval from the requisitioning department for any changes.
• Meet regularly with suppliers to evaluate performance, address issues, and strengthen vendor relationships to support long-term, reliable supply.
• Identify and evaluate new supplier opportunities to enhance the supply base and support cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Request, save, and file critical purchasing documentation to ensure traceability, compliance, and proper recordkeeping.
• Maintain strong attention to detail to ensure high standards of quality and compliance with internal policies and applicable legal regulations.
• Perform special sourcing projects as assigned, including sourcing new materials to support research and development initiatives.
• Communicate effectively and collaboratively with cross-functional departments such as Accounts Payable, Engineering, Estimating, Manufacturing, Part Sales, and Shipping/Receiving to resolve issues and align purchasing activities with business needs.
• Expedite materials as needed and develop and utilize alternative suppliers to prevent shortages and support continuous operations.
• Prepare reports and conduct final project reviews of material costs, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in purchasing strategies.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in purchasing and procurement within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of driving cost savings and favorable terms.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Hands-on experience using ERP and MRP systems for purchasing and inventory planning.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel for communication, documentation, and data analysis.
• Ability to read Bills of Material (BOM), drawings, and technical specifications to support accurate purchasing decisions.
• Strong math aptitude and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make sound recommendations.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Minimum of 57 years of related purchasing experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field; other educational backgrounds may be considered based on experience.
• Experience in supply chain processes and purchase order management.
• Familiarity with Infor ERP systems is a plus.
• Experience conducting cost reviews and project cost analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses in material sourcing.
• Background in industrial manufacturing, with understanding of production requirements and material flows.
• Strong communication skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to support research and development through sourcing of new materials and suppliers.

Work Environment

This position operates in an industrial manufacturing environment where the Senior Buyer works closely with production, engineering, estimating, part sales, shipping/receiving, and accounts payable teams. Daily work involves extensive use of ERP and MRP systems, as well as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, to manage purchase orders, analyze data, and coordinate inventory levels. The role is fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring responsiveness to changing production needs and market conditions. Professional attire appropriate for an office setting within a manufacturing facility is expected, with regular interaction across departments and with external suppliers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Lodi, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $90000.00/yr.

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.

Company benefits will be shared upon initial conversation with Actalent and any related questions can be answered at this time. Thank you for expressing interest in working with Actalent. 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lodi,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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.