Buyer

Sterling Engineering; Wood Dale (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical plans

401(k)

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Wood Dale, IL is seeking a detail-oriented Buyer/Planner for contract-to-hire opportunities. You will collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, R&D, and Accounting to keep projects moving and operations running smoothly.

The role emphasizes negotiating pricing, supplier management, and maintaining materials flow, with a path to longer-term engagement in a growing manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM or related field.
• 0-2 years purchasing or procurement experience.
• Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).

Responsibilities

• Purchase materials based on demand and lead times.
• Monitor inventory levels and improve turnover.
• Request quotes from suppliers and machine shops.
• Create and manage purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery.
• Establish new suppliers and part numbers in the MRP system.
• Coordinate domestic and international shipments.
• Track orders and resolve supply issues.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Supply chain

Excel

Vendor relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Title: Buyer

Location: Wood Dale, IL

Hire Type: Contract - to - Hire

Compensation: $55-70K yrly

Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Purchasing Career? Looking for an opportunity where you can do more than simply place purchase orders? This is your chance to join a growing manufacturing environment where you'll work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, R&D, and Accounting to keep projects moving and operations running smoothly.

We're looking for a detail-oriented, motivated Buyer/Planner who enjoys problem-solving, working with suppliers, negotiating pricing, and keeping materials moving. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to build their career in procurement and gain hands-on experience across multiple business functions.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Purchase materials based on customer demand, managing both short- and long-lead-time items.
• Monitor inventory levels and identify opportunities to improve inventory turnover.
• Request and evaluate quotes from suppliers and machine shops to secure the best pricing and lead times.
• Create and manage purchase orders, ensuring materials arrive on schedule.
• Establish new suppliers, vendors, and part numbers within the MRP system.
• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing on product development initiatives.
• Coordinate domestic and international shipments.
• Assist with receiving, invoicing, and other purchasing-related activities as needed.
• Track orders, expedite deliveries, and proactively resolve supply chain challenges.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• 0-2 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience.
• Basic understanding of Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, etc.).
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Confidence communicating and negotiating with suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.