Buyer

Aleron; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions in Richmond, VA is seeking a Buyer/Purchasing Specialist to manage procurement for assigned product lines, serve as primary buyer, and oversee vendor relationships. You will handle daily ordering, supplier performance, and strategic sourcing to meet production schedules with cost efficiency.

The role requires strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills, with at least 2 years in purchasing in manufacturing. Direct placement, full-time, onsite, M-F.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily ordering for assigned product lines.
• Manage vendors to meet reliability, quality, on-time delivery, and cost KPIs.
• Conduct quotes to support engineering and production needs.
• Coordinate with internal teams on material lead time and availability.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and contracts with suppliers.

Skills

Procurement

Vendor management

Negotiation

ERP systems

Forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Job Title: Buyer/Purchasing Specialist

Location: Richmond, VA

Employment Type: Direct Placement/Full time

Industry: Manufacturing

Compensation: $70-75k

Schedule: M-F 8am-5pm onsite

About the Opportunity

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for managing procurement activities for assigned product lines, serving as the primary buyer and vendor relationship manager. This role oversees daily ordering, vendor management, and strategic sourcing to ensure materials are available to meet production schedules while maintaining cost effectiveness and quality standards. Key responsibilities include managing supplier performance, negotiating pricing and terms, conducting quoting activities to support engineering and production needs, and driving process improvements across the procurement lifecycle. The position requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to build strategic vendor partnerships that support company growth and operational excellence.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries
• People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates

Why This Opportunity is Exciting

This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Sound like a good fit?

What You'll Do

• Oversee and participate in the daily ordering of assigned product lines
• Manage vendors to meet the standards of reliability, quality, on-time delivery, and cost through vendor performance KPIs and regular meetings
• Conduct quoting activities to support engineering projects and ensure suppliers provide competitive pricing
• Coordinate with internal teams on material lead time and availability
• Lead onboarding and development of new suppliers for assigned product lines
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings
• Drive process improvements and efficiencies in ordering, receiving, and invoicing workflows
• Resolve purchase order discrepancies and supply chain disruptions proactively
• Forecast material requirements based on production schedules and demand planning
• Collaborate with Material Support Team on material flow and kitting processes
• Work with engineering and production teams to identify material specifications and requirements
• Assist in developing and implementing strategies for cost savings and value analysis
• Provide coverage for other buyers as necessary
• Participate in supplier audits and quality improvement initiatives

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring

• Minimum 2 years' experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management in a manufacturing environment

What Sets You Apart

• Detail-oriented with strong commitment to accuracy
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently
• Strategic thinker with tactical execution capabilities
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered
• Proficiency in ERP systems, Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Understanding of material planning and forecasting methods
• Positive and ambitious attitude
• Team player with collaborative mindset

Additional Information

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.