Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer

Job Description

The Senior Buyer leads procurement activities for both engineered-to-order products and standard manufactured goods in a collaborative manufacturing environment. This role drives supplier performance, negotiates contracts, and ensures timely material availability to support production schedules and customer delivery commitments. The Senior Buyer partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Production Planning, Quality, and Sales to support complex manufacturing projects while optimizing cost, quality, and delivery outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Procure materials and components tied to customer orders to meet required delivery timelines and production needs.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for custom-engineered components, fabricated parts, and standard production materials.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships, including ongoing monitoring of performance, quality, and reliability.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and service agreements to ensure cost efficiency, supply continuity, and favorable commercial terms.
• Issue and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy, contract compliance, and on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with Engineering on new product introductions, design changes, and sourcing of custom components to support manufacturability and cost targets.
• Partner with Production Planning and Operations to align material availability with production schedules and capacity plans.
• Monitor and resolve supplier issues related to delivery, quality, and cost performance, escalating and driving corrective actions as needed.
• Analyze spend data to identify cost savings opportunities, supplier consolidation options, and process improvements.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier master data, and purchasing information within ERP/MRP systems.
• Support monthly inventory reconciliation in coordination with Production Management and related functions.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and implement corrective action plans when performance expectations are not met.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulations throughout the procurement process.
• Mentor and support purchasing team members, sharing best practices and contributing to the development of procurement capabilities.
• Develop, track, and report key procurement metrics, including supplier performance, on-time delivery, and cost savings initiatives.

Essential Skills

• 5–7+ years of purchasing, sourcing, or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience supporting both engineered or custom products and standard production materials.
• Demonstrated expertise in negotiations, supplier management, and contract administration.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, with experience in SAGE or similar platforms preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for analysis and reporting.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of material (BOMs).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and implement cost and process improvements.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and supplier interaction.
• Solid understanding of purchasing, procurement, and supply chain principles and best practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain roles within complex manufacturing settings.
• Hands-on experience with purchase order management, vendor management, and supply chain coordination.
• Background in working with engineered-to-order (ETO) products and standard manufactured goods.
• Ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Capability to mentor and support other purchasing team members.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, contracts, and ERP/MRP data.
• Comfort working with data to develop and report on procurement metrics and cost savings initiatives.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in a collaborative manufacturing setting, working closely with Engineering, Operations, Production Planning, Quality, and Sales teams. The schedule follows a Monday–Friday workweek with typical daytime hours. The role requires approximately 10–15% travel to visit suppliers and other facility locations for reviews, audits, and relationship management. The environment involves active engagement on the production floor and in office settings, using ERP/MRP systems such as SAGE and standard office software to manage procurement activities, analyze data, and support cross-functional projects.

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

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $105000.00/yr.

Health and Wellness: Comprehensive dental and vision insurance plans. Financial Security: Potential for competitive wages and life insurance. Work-Life Balance: Paid time off to ensure employees have personal time. Career Growth: Opportunities for development and advancement within the company. Supportive Environment: A team-oriented culture that values employee contributions.

This is a hybrid position in Neenah,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 2026.

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® double diamond 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.