Buyer

Trust Automation; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Trust Automation in California is seeking a Buyer to perform procurement duties across multiple product lines, negotiating prices, handling RFQs, and managing PO activity within an ERP system.

You will coordinate supplier relationships, lead time data, and ensure compliance with AS9100 standards, quality requirements, and on-time delivery. Reports to the Materials Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or equivalent knowledge in business administration or supply chain.
• Experience with ERP systems and PO documentation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex purchase orders with SOW-driven requirements.
• Prepare RFQs, analyze quotes, negotiate contracts with suppliers.
• Administer POs through ERP until invoice.
• Maintain supplier relationships and monitor performance via scorecards.
• Ensure on-time delivery and accurate lead-time data in ERP.

Skills

Cross-functional knowledge

Problem solving

Data analytics

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Accountability

ERP system experience

PO documentation

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPt

Education

College degree or equivalent in supply chain/engineering/finance/business analytics

Tools

ERP system

Microsoft Office

Job description

Trust Automation has over 30 years of experience in custom motors, linear drives, digital drives, and systems which meet the unique needs of its customers. Its product line includes motors, linear drives, digital drives, custom assemblies, and products to fit unique applications and ground-up system design and manufacturing solutions. We design, build and support control and power management systems for the most demanding defense, semiconductor, industrial automation, and medical applications.

Trust Automation is an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce, personnel with competencies and experience related to the regional and State population. Every employee has an “at-will” relationship with Trust Automation. This means that employment with Trust Automation is at the mutual consent of the employer and the employee and is subject to termination by either party at will, with or without cause or advance notice.

Job Summary

The Buyer will perform procurement duties in support of business operations across multiple product lines. This position is responsible for negotiating prices, price/cost analysis, and compliant procurement documentation required by AS9100 standards, Trust Automation policies and procedures, and industry best practices. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the procurement and management of purchase orders for custom fabricated components, printed circuit board fabrication, consignment assembly, turnkey contract manufacturing, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts, custom electronic components, and vendor managed inventory (VMI). This position reports directly to the Materials Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Managing complex purchase orders, including those with custom specification and/or statement of work (SOW) driven requirements.
• Prepare and release RFQs, receive and analyze quotes, negotiate contracts including price, schedule, and terms in accordance with quality and delivery requirements driven through the ERP system.
• Select from approved suppliers, document agreements, and administer resulting PO through invoice activity.
• Negotiate modifications to POs, develop positive working relationships, and interface with suppliers via phone, email, or personal visits as required.
• Communicate forecast to suppliers and confirm and/or expedite material deliveries as driven through the ERP system to support on time delivery requirements.
• Manage supplier relationships and communicate performance via supplier score card.
• Maintain integrity of ERP planning data to include real-time updates of lead time, price preferred suppliers, and make recommendations for shelf stock requirements and batching.
• Participate in change control processes including but not limited to internal and external design change requirements, identifying alternate sources of supply, supplier status, and mitigation management of component obsolescence.
• Assist Quality in coordinating non-conforming product activity and their disposition with suppliers.

Position Requirements

• College degree, equivalent experience, or ability to demonstrate knowledge in business administration with concentration in supply chain management, engineering, finance or business analytics.
• Cross-functional knowledge of supplier quality, manufacturing, and engineering as they relate to procurement.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; be able to prioritize tasks and effectively communicate priorities.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to multi-task.
• Problem solving/critical thinking as well as data analytics skills.
• High level of personal accountability.
• Professional written and verbal communication with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both as an individual contributor with minimal supervision or in a team environment.
• Experience working with an ERP system, PO documentation, and terms and conditions.
• Understanding of the functions of an ERP system.
• Understanding of purchase order and shipping documentation; including terms and conditions and certificates of conformance.
• Effective use of Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Combination of education and experience a plus.
• This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• May Participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your identity.

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person, on the telephone or virtually.
• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator or assemble/manufacture intricate items.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials.
• Sitting or standing for extended period of time
• May need physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height.
• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.

Pay/Salary Information

Salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000 annually