Buyer [AQ-19246]

Aquent; North Reading (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan with match

Free online training

Job summary

Aquent partners with a global innovator seeking a procurement professional to own supplier relationships and material planning. You’ll manage critical components, monitor availability, and mitigate risk to protect production schedules.

This role emphasizes data-driven insight, cross-functional collaboration, and meticulous execution. Bring 2+ years in direct procurement, electronics/pcbAs experience, and ERP proficiency to a fast-paced team.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of direct procurement experience with supplier relationships.
• Experience purchasing production materials, electronics, PCBAs, or hardware.
• Proficiency with ERP systems for PO execution and tracking.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel, PivotTables, and lookups.
• Experience with SQL querying or data-visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Purchase essential materials including electromechanical assemblies and PCBAs.
• Manage supplier relationships and report KPIs to senior leadership.
• Provide data for monthly scorecards and quarterly reviews.
• Plan material requirements, monitor inventory, and schedule deliveries in ERP.
• Communicate forecasts and changes clearly to suppliers.
• Identify supply risks and mitigate with cross-functional input.
• Support planning to communicate risks and mitigation strategies.
• Track open POs, expedites, and changing material needs.
• Assist with supplier reviews, performance management, and NCRs/RMAs.

Skills

Direct procurement ownership

Electronics/PCBAs experience

PivotTables / Advanced Excel

SQL / data visualization

Communication & collaboration

Planning & analytical mindset

Attention to detail

Independent work

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

APICS certification (nice to have)

Tools

ERP systems (e.g., SAP)

SQL

Tableau / QuickSight

Job description

Aquent is partnering with a pioneering company at the forefront of innovation, offering an extraordinary opportunity to directly influence the success of global products and initiatives. This role is pivotall in ensuring the seamless flow of critical materials, strengthening vital supplier partnerships, and mitigating risks that could impact groundbreaking programs. Your expertise will be instrumental in bringing cutting-edge innovations to life and shaping the future of technology.

About The Company

Join a world-renowned innovator celebrated for its commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering products that redefine industries. This company stands at the forefront of technology and product development. 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 seeking 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, proactive 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 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.

About Aquent Talent

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

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!