Buyer

Aston Carter; Elgin (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Zero-monthly-premium medical, dental,

Vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Buyer in South Elgin, IL to balance tactical purchasing with strategic sourcing. You’ll influence supplier strategy, manage about $20M in packaging spend, and lead cost-saving initiatives in a hybrid role.

Ideal candidates have strong procurement foundations, MRP planning, ERP experience (SAP preferred), and the ability to handle both daily purchasing and long-term sourcing. This is a permanent position with 8am–5pm hours and a hybrid (one day at home) setup.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in purchasing or supply chain.
• Experience in strategic sourcing and tactical purchasing.
• Strong understanding of MRP and inventory management.
• ERP systems experience (SAP preferred).
• Supplier management and contract negotiation.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across packaging categories.
• Lead supplier selection, RFPs, and negotiations.
• Identify cost savings opportunities and supplier scorecards.
• Manage $20M annual packaging spend and contracts.
• Support MRP planning and inventory management.
• Coordinate supplier communications and risk reports.

Skills

MRP planning

ERP systems

SAP

Negotiation

Excel

Inventory management

Multi-site ops

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain

Tools

SAP

Job description

We're seeking an experienced Buyer who can successfully balance tactical purchasing responsibilities with strategic sourcing initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to manage approximately $20M in packaging spend, influence supplier strategy, lead cost-saving initiatives, and support critical manufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong procurement foundation, experience with MRP planning and ERP systems, and the ability to manage both day-to-day purchasing activities and long-term sourcing strategies.

Hours: Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm (some flexibility)

Hybrid (one day at home)

What You'll Do

Strategic Procurement & Sourcing

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across packaging categories
• Lead supplier selection processes and RFP development
• Identify and implement cost savings opportunities
• Conduct supplier negotiations and contract discussions
• Create and maintain supplier scorecards and performance metrics
• Drive supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives
• Evaluate market conditions, pricing trends, and sourcing opportunities

Purchasing & Supply Chain Operations

• Manage approximately $20M in annual packaging spend
• Execute purchase orders and ensure uninterrupted material supply
• Support MRP planning and inventory management activities
• Monitor inventory levels and align purchasing decisions with business demand
• Manage supplier communication regarding orders, delivery schedules, and performance
• Generate and communicate daily outage and supply risk reports
• Resolve supply chain disruptions and material shortages

New Product Commercialization

• Partner with suppliers and internal stakeholders on packaging development initiatives
• Support product launches through sourcing, testing, validation, and pricing activities
• Coordinate packaging specifications and supplier requirements
• Ensure successful implementation of new materials and packaging solutions

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience
• Experience managing both strategic sourcing initiatives and tactical purchasing activities
• Strong understanding of MRP planning and inventory management
• Experience working within ERP systems (SAP preferred)
• Supplier management and vendor relationship experience
• Contract and price negotiation experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing environment

Preferred

• Packaging procurement experience including corrugate, flexible packaging, labels, roll stock, or related categories
• RFP development and execution experience
• Supplier scorecard and supplier performance management experience
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations
• Proven success delivering cost reduction and process improvement initiativesBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

• Strong business and commercial acumen
• Ability to think strategically while executing tactically
• Results-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
• Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with operations, manufacturing, quality, and product development teams
• Proactive approach to problem-solve and supplier management

Role Breakdown

70% Tactical Procurement

• Purchase order management
• Inventory planning
• Supplier coordination
• MRP execution
• Daily operational support

30% Strategic Procurement

• Strategic sourcing
• Supplier negotiations
• RFP management
• Supplier scorecards
• Cost savings initiatives
• Supplier development

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of South Elgin, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $85000.00/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.

comprehensive employee benefits, highlighted by zero-monthly-premium medical, dental, and vision insurance. Eligible team members also receive 401(k) plans with matching contributions, paid time off (PTO), holiday pay, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in South Elgin,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.

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 [e-mail] 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.