Procurement Specialist

Aston Carter; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

PTO / Paid time off

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Procurement Specialist to lead strategic purchasing, supplier management, and cost-saving initiatives within a manufacturing setting. You will collaborate with engineering, quality, finance, and operations to ensure material availability, quality, and on-time delivery.

The role emphasizes cost reduction, supplier development, and strong analytical skills, with an onsite, Monday–Friday work schedule in Lexington, KY. APICS/CPIM certification is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a business-, supply chain-, or related field.
• 3+ years of purchasing or buying experience in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Procure parts, materials, and components to support manufacturing operations.
• Manage supplier relationships, including pricing negotiations, contracts, and performance.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and identify strategic sourcing opportunities.
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, finance, and operations to align purchasing with needs.
• Support inventory availability by monitoring material levels and resolving discrepancies.

Skills

Purchasing experience

ERP systems

Excel proficiency

Negotiation

Supply chain knowledge

Bill of materials reading

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business / supply chain / related field

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Procurement SpecialistJob Description

The Procurement Specialist supports a growing manufacturing organization by leading strategic purchasing, supplier management, and cost-saving initiatives. This role ensures that parts, materials, and components are available to meet production demands while consistently achieving quality, delivery, and cost objectives. You will partner closely with cross-functional teams to optimize the supply chain and directly influence product quality, cost reduction, and overall production performance.

Responsibilities

• Procure parts, materials, and components to support ongoing manufacturing operations and production schedules.
• Manage supplier relationships, including pricing negotiations, contract discussions, and performance monitoring.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and identify strategic sourcing opportunities to improve value and reduce total cost.
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, finance, and operations teams to align purchasing activities with business needs.
• Support inventory availability by monitoring material levels and resolving supplier quality concerns and invoice discrepancies.
• Manage engineering change notices, supplier communications, and requests for quotations to ensure timely implementation and accurate pricing.
• Evaluate and qualify new domestic and international suppliers to strengthen the supply base and mitigate risk.
• Analyze supplier costs, manufacturing processes, and value improvement opportunities to enhance overall supply chain efficiency.
• Perform procurement analysis, source selection, and strategic sourcing activities to support production and business objectives.
• Oversee supplier performance, including on-time delivery, quality metrics, and responsiveness, and implement corrective actions when needed.
• Coordinate import logistics and related documentation to support international sourcing activities.
• Maintain accurate purchase orders and procurement records within ERP systems and other tools.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support continuous improvement initiatives in purchasing and supply chain processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a business, supply chain, or related field.
• 3+ years of purchasing or buying experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of procurement principles, supplier negotiations, and cost analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement, purchasing, and purchase order management.
• Proficiency in supplier performance management, contract and vendor management, and negotiation.
• Experience with supply chain processes, procurement analysis, strategic sourcing, and source selection.
• Working knowledge of import logistics and international sourcing practices.
• Experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to read blueprints, bills of materials, and engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, operations, quality, finance, and external suppliers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Understanding of import and export processes, raw material pricing, and manufacturing costs.
• Experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment with exposure to production operations.
• APICS/CPIM certification preferred.
• Experience in cost analysis, value improvement, and supplier development initiatives.
• Ability to evaluate and qualify domestic and international suppliers.
• Willingness to travel periodically to supplier locations.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment focused on inventory, sourcing, cost savings, and production support.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Interest in career growth within a stable and growing manufacturing organization.

Work Environment

This is an office-based role located within a manufacturing facility, with regular collaboration across production, engineering, quality, finance, and supplier teams. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule, typically 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is fully onsite. You will primarily work in an office setting but will walk into the warehouse as needed to support inventory and production activities. The environment is fast-paced and focused on inventory management, sourcing, cost savings, and production support, offering hands-on exposure to manufacturing operations. Occasional travel to supplier locations is required to support supplier evaluations, relationship management, and sourcing initiatives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, KY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $31.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lexington,KY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] ([e-mail]) for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.