Job Description: We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Buyer to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing procurement processes, developing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely delivery of quality materials. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying cost-saving opportunities and maintaining optimal inventory levels. Responsibilities: + Directly procure raw materials and develop an appropriate supplier base. + Determine material requirements and develop rolling supplier schedules or Purchase Orders. + Consolidate requirements and develop the most suitable method of purchase such as spot purchase orders, contracts, and blanket orders. + Issue schedules to suppliers on a rolling basis and establish delivery priorities. + Maintain close contact with suppliers and resolve any issues or conflicts. + Prepare data to show supplier performance, issues, and improvement actions. + Advise management of current market conditions and supplier base activity affecting pricing or delivery. + Familiarize with the end use of commodities to identify cost savings through alternate materials or specifications. + Evaluate suppliers through visits and performance measurements including on-time delivery and service performance. + Provide purchasing support for ordering maintenance and expense items. + Analyze and maintain minimum inventory levels, identifying and acting on slow-moving and obsolete inventory. + Collaborate with the QA Manager on purchasing department issues related to the ISO 9000 registration process. + Attend production meetings as required. + Some travel is required, both domestic and possibly international. + Perform all other duties as assigned by the Purchasing and Supply Chain Manager. Qualifications: + 2-3 years of purchasing, procurement, or buying experience (5 years without a college degree). + 2-3 years of ERP/MRP systems experience, preferably SAP. + Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Outlook, and Teams. + Experience with SAP. + Inventory Management experience. + College education. + Exposure to ordering products from overseas suppliers. + Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and cost management. Work Environment: This position is 100% onsite, with working hours from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm, with flexibility for start or end times within an hour. The office is modern and professional, featuring an open floor space with cubicles and standing desks. The team consists of eight people, fostering a collaborative environment. The company is experiencing growth, offering numerous career advancement opportunities. Key internal relationships include Customer Service, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Finance, Sales, and Operations. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr. 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 Loves Park,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 2025. 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® 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 (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.