Buyer [AQ-18539]

Aquent; North Reading (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is seeking a skilled procurement professional to join our team in the United States. The role focuses on strategic supplier relationships, material availability, and risk mitigation to support global products and programs.

You will drive material planning, manage POs, and provide critical procurement data to leadership while partnering with Planning, Commodity Management, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless operations.

Qualifications

• 2+ years direct procurement experience with supplier relationships.
• Experience purchasing production materials in electronics/hardware preferred.
• Proficient with ERP for PO execution and demand tracking.
• Advanced Excel skills including PivotTables and lookups.
• SQL queries or data-visualization tools experience.

Responsibilities

• Purchase essential materials including electromechanical assemblies and PCBA components.
• Manage supplier relationships and monitor KPIs for reports to leadership.
• Provide data for monthly scorecards and quarterly business reviews.
• Plan material requirements and manage inventory in the ERP.
• Communicate forecasts and material needs to suppliers; mitigate risks.
• Identify supply risks and develop mitigation in coordination withPlanning.
• Track open POs, expedites, and changing material requirements.
• Support commodity management in supplier performance and new product development.
• Resolve PO receiving errors and assist with invoice reconciliation.
• Handle supplier returns, NCRs, RMAs, and MRB materials.
• Lead process-improvement projects across cross-functional teams.

Skills

Procurement

Supplier relationships

ERP systems

Excel PivotTables

SQL querying

Data visualization

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Aquent is seeking a highly skilled and motivated procurement professional to join a pioneering company at the forefront of innovation. This is an extraordinary opportunity to directly influence the success of global products and initiatives by ensuring the seamless flow of critical materials, strengthening vital supplier partnerships, and mitigating risks that could impact groundbreaking programs. Your expertise will be pivotal in bringing cutting-edge innovations to life and shaping the future of technology.

About The Company

Join a world-renowned innovator at the forefront of technology and product development. This company is celebrated for its commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering products that redefine industries. As a partner in their mission, you’ll contribute to a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement, working on initiatives that shape the future.

About The Role

Step into a pivotal role where your strategic vision and hands-on expertise will directly shape the success of global products and initiatives. We are looking for a highly organized and proactive procurement professional to become an integral part of critical supply chain operations. Beyond transactional duties, you will take ownership of vital supplier relationships and component portfolios, proactively managing purchase orders, meticulously monitoring material availability, and strategically mitigating risks that could impact production and program schedules. This is your chance to be a key player, leveraging your sound judgment, strong analytical skills, and effective communication to ensure seamless operations and drive impactful results across suppliers, Planning, Commodity Management, and Supply Chain leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase essential materials and equipment from suppliers, including electromechanical assemblies, electronic components, printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), hardware, and non-inventory items.
• Manage critical supplier relationships and monitor key performance indicators, providing vital reports to senior Supply Chain leadership.
• Provide crucial procurement data and insights to inform monthly scorecards and quarterly business reviews.
• Strategically plan material requirements, manage inventory levels, and maintain accurate supply and delivery schedules within the ERP system.
• Clearly communicate forecasts, delivery requirements, schedule changes, and material needs to suppliers, ensuring alignment and responsiveness.
• Proactively identify supply chain and material-availability risks, maintaining transparent reporting on material flow to inform decision-making.
• Partner closely with the Planning team to communicate identified risks and develop effective mitigation strategies for internal stakeholders.
• Continuously monitor and update open purchase orders, expedites, delivery commitments, and changing material requirements to maintain operational fluidity.
• Support the Commodity Management team in fostering strong supplier relationships, monitoring performance, addressing supply constraints, and facilitating new product or program development.
• Resolve purchase-order receiving errors efficiently and assist with invoice reconciliation to ensure financial accuracy.
• Manage supplier returns, including Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), Return Material Authorizations (RMAs), and Material Review Board (MRB) materials.
• Identify and champion process-improvement opportunities, leading cross-functional teams through successful implementation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Must-Have Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a direct procurement professional, demonstrating ownership of supplier relationships, programs, and sizeable component portfolios beyond transactional or purchasing-coordinator responsibilities.
• Proven experience purchasing production materials or components, ideally including electronics, PCBAs, electromechanical assemblies, or hardware.
• Proficiency with ERP systems for purchase-order execution, rescheduling, and supply-and-demand tracking.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including creating and manipulating PivotTables and performing data lookups.
• Experience with SQL querying and/or data-visualization tools such as Amazon QuickSight or Tableau.
• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively across functions.
• A self-motivated approach and the ability to operate independently in a demanding yet collegial environment.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Humanities, or another relevant field.
• APICS or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience independently leading supplier reviews, business reviews, or performance-management calls.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, hardware, electronics, automotive, aerospace, robotics, or another complex production environment.

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

Client Description

Our fast growing client is a global leader renowned for shaping the future and impacting millions worldwide! If you’re seeking an opportunity to work on cutting-edge initiatives and accelerate your career within a culture of bold ideas, we can connect you to your next great adventure. Contribute your talents in a place that values innovation, creativity, and leadership!