Buyer

We are looking for an experienced Buyer to join our team in Atwater, California on a Contract basis. This role supports day-to-day procurement operations for manufacturing by ensuring materials and supplies are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with production needs. The ideal candidate brings strong supplier management skills, sound purchasing judgment, and the ability to work closely with internal stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate procurement of production, maintenance, and operational materials to support uninterrupted manufacturing activity.

• Prepare and release purchase orders, track supplier acknowledgements, and follow through on deliveries to help meet schedule requirements.

• Develop productive vendor partnerships that strengthen service levels, product quality, pricing, and on-time performance.

• Research and qualify new suppliers by assessing competitiveness, compliance, and alignment with business needs.

• Lead negotiations on cost, commercial terms, and service expectations to secure favorable purchasing agreements.

• Review inventory demand and buying patterns to reduce the risk of shortages, delays, or excess stock.

• Contribute to cost-saving initiatives by supporting quote comparisons, bid events, and sourcing projects.

• Work with Quality and cross-functional teams to complete supplier approvals, audits, and required documentation.

• Manage the full purchasing lifecycle, including order entry, confirmation, receipt coordination, and resolution of supplier or invoice discrepancies.

• Maintain accurate procurement records and item data in business systems while ensuring purchasing practices follow internal policies and compliance requirements.

For immediate consideration, contact Robert Half at 209-232-1991

• 2-3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience buying raw materials, ingredients, packaging, or other operational supplies used in production settings.

• Background in food, beverage, agriculture, consumer goods, or another regulated manufacturing industry is preferred.

• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy, organization, and close attention to detail.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and interact professionally with vendors.

• Working knowledge of ERP or procurement systems, with experience in Microsoft Dynamics NAV considered a plus.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.