Buyer

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

Job summary

Trust Automation, Inc. is seeking a Buyer to support multiple product lines by negotiating prices, managing POs, and ensuring AS9100 compliant procurement. You will coordinate supplier quotes, maintain supplier relationships, and optimize on-time delivery within an ERP framework.

This on-site role in California requires collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams, strong communication, and meticulous data management to drive cost efficiency and reliable supply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business/admin with concentration in supply chain, eng, finance or analytics.
• Cross-functional knowledge of supplier quality, manufacturing, and engineering as they relate to procurement.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; prioritize tasks and communicate priorities clearly.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to multi-task.
• Experience with ERP systems, PO documentation, and terms and conditions.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex purchase orders including SOW-driven requirements.
• Prepare and release RFQs; analyze quotes; negotiate contracts for price, schedule and terms.
• Select approved suppliers; document agreements; manage PO through invoice activity.
• Negotiate PO modifications and maintain supplier relationships with clear communication.
• Maintain ERP data accuracy for lead times, prices, and shelf stock recommendations.
• Coordinate design change requirements and supplier mitigation for obsolescence.
• Assist Quality with non-conforming product activity and disposition with suppliers.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

SOW management

Data analysis

ERP system

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

Tools

ERP system

MS Office

Job description

Trust Automation

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 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

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

• 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