Associate Buyer & Material Planner for Manufacturing

Aston Carter; California; On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking an Associate Buyer in Los Angeles, CA to purchase and plan materials for manufacturing operations, ensuring materials are available when needed while maintaining optimal inventory levels. You will manage purchase orders, monitor supplier performance, and collaborate with production and planning teams, using SAP or similar ERP/MRP tools to keep data accurate and processes efficient.

This contract-to-hire role offers regular hours Mon-Fri, with a focus on preventing

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2+ years experience as a manufacturing buyer or planner.
• Experience purchasing and material planning in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong ERP/MRP system experience, preferably SAP.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing purchasing and material planning.
• Demonstrated ability to manage suppliers and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in purchase order management from creation through completion.
• Experience supporting production schedules through effective procurement and planning.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Responsiveness and reliability in addressing material and supplier-related issues.
• Ability to prevent material shortages while maintaining optimal inventory levels.

Responsibilities

• Purchase and plan materials to support ongoing manufacturing operations.
• Ensure materials are available on time to meet production schedules and prevent material shortages.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels by balancing supply, demand, and storage capacity.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance to support consistent quality and on-time delivery.
• Use ERP/MRP systems, preferably SAP, to plan materials, track orders, and maintain accurate data.
• Coordinate with production, planning, and supply chain teams to align material availability with manufacturing needs.
• Analyze material requirements and inventory levels to identify potential gaps and take proactive action.
• Resolve issues related to material availability, delivery delays, or order discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate records of purchasing activities, supplier information, and inventory status.
• Continuously improve purchasing and planning processes to support efficient manufacturing operations.

Skills

Purchasing

Material planning

ERP/MRP

Supplier relations

Purchase orders

Production scheduling support

Tools

SAP

Job description

Aston Carter is seeking an Associate Buyer in Los Angeles, CA to purchase and plan materials for manufacturing operations, ensuring materials are available when needed while maintaining optimal inventory levels. You will manage purchase orders, monitor supplier performance, and collaborate with production and planning teams, using SAP or similar ERP/MRP tools to keep data accurate and processes efficient.

This contract-to-hire role offers regular hours Mon-Fri, with a focus on preventing