Buyer

Aston Carter; Iowa; On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Buyer to join our Cedar Rapids, IA team. The role partners with supply chain and contracts to execute purchasing, convert requisitions to purchase orders, and optimize inventory programs using ERP and e-procurement tools.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in purchasing, understands procurement processes, and can drive process improvements while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in purchasing or supply chain.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and purchasing best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple requests in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with ERP systems (9.2) and e-Procurement tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of purchase order creation, maintenance, and close-out.
• Work within the ERP system and other supply chain platforms to manage POs.
• Monitor open purchase orders and provide status updates.
• Prepare reports on vendor spend and PO metrics.
• Identify automation opportunities for replenishment to improve efficiency.
• Manage punch-out and catalogue purchases.
• Support best practices in purchasing and supplier relationships.
• Identify system improvements to enhance purchasing performance.
• Work under supervision of a Manager or Senior Manager.

Skills

Experience in purchasing

Procurement knowledge

ERP systems

EDI tools

PO management

Cross-functional collaboration

Process improvement

Data reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration / Purchasing / Supply Chain

CPM / CPIM / CPSM certifications preferred

Tools

ERP 9.2

e-Procurement tools

EDI platforms

Punch-out & catalogue systems

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Buyer Job Description

The Buyer works closely with the supply chain and contracts team to execute purchasing activities for the department. This role is responsible for processing requisitions from business units and efficiently converting them into accurate purchase orders. The Buyer may also set up inventory programs, identify and implement process improvement opportunities, and evaluate and adopt technology enhancements, including automation, to increase productivity in purchasing operations.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of purchase order creation, maintenance, and close-out in alignment with departmental procedures.
• Work within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and other supply chain platforms to create, update, and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Develop and maintain an efficient and accurate system for monitoring all open purchase orders, ensuring visibility into status and next steps.
• Prepare and deliver reports to management that summarize closed purchase orders, vendor spend, and other key purchasing and supply chain metrics.
• Identify and determine automation opportunities related to the replenishment of routinely purchased items to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
• Manage punch-out and catalogue purchases, and identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and utilization of these systems.
• Implement and support best practices in purchasing, including building and maintaining solid supplier relationships, supporting investment recovery, promoting online requisitioning, and leveraging electronic data interchange (EDI), supplier-assisted inventory management, and e-commerce tools.
• Promote and support organization-wide sourcing guidelines, policies, procedures, and practices to ensure consistency and compliance in purchasing activities.
• Identify enhancements to information systems needed to achieve desired purchasing and supply chain performance, and collaborate with internal personnel to prioritize and implement these improvements.
• Perform work under the direct supervision of a Manager or Senior Manager, following established policies while proactively contributing to continuous improvement in purchasing processes.

Essential Skills

• At least 4 years of related experience in purchasing or supply chain.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and purchasing best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple requests efficiently and effectively while remaining flexible in a dynamic environment.
• Understanding of process design and work simplification programs related to supply chain operations.
• Strong problem identification and problem-solving skills with a focus on practical solutions.
• Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, preferably version 9.2, and familiarity with e-Procurement tools.
• High attention to detail with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency using evolving technological tools to streamline daily tasks and communications.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse work environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Purchasing, or Supply Chain is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are preferred.
• Experience working with electronic data interchange (EDI), supplier-assisted inventory management, and e-commerce platforms.
• Experience developing or improving monitoring systems for open purchase orders and vendor spend reporting.
• Familiarity with punch-out and catalogue purchasing systems and their optimization.
• Exposure to investment recovery practices and company-wide sourcing guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Work Environment

This role is based on site in Cedar Rapids, IA. The Buyer works in a professional office environment in close collaboration with the supply chain and contracts teams, using ERP systems (preferably version 9.2), e-Procurement tools, and other supply chain platforms on a daily basis. The position operates under the direct supervision of a Manager or Senior Manager and involves regular interaction with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The work setting supports the use of modern technological tools to streamline purchasing activities, reporting, and communication, and emphasizes a diverse and inclusive environment where collaboration and continuous improvement are encouraged.

Job Type & Location

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