Purchasing Agent/Buyer

Sterling Engineering; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking an experienced Purchasing Agent/Buyer to support sourcing, supplier negotiation, and purchase-order management in a manufacturing setting. You will balance cost, quality, and reliability while ensuring on-time delivery.

Responsibilities include evaluating vendor quotes, expediting orders, maintaining ERP data, and collaborating with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Customer Service to resolve issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience negotiating pricing, terms, and supplier agreements.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to manage changing priorities.
• Professional communication skills and a collaborative team approach.
• Preferred: Experience in a high-dollar, low-volume manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase materials, tooling, supplies, and services.
• Obtain and evaluate competitive vendor quotes and negotiate pricing and terms.
• Issue and manage purchase orders based on technical specifications.
• Monitor and expedite orders to ensure on-time delivery.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Track supplier performance, pricing, quality, and delivery.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and vendor information in the ERP system.
• Read and interpret mechanical engineering drawings.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Customer Service to resolve purchasing issues.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Agent / Buyer to support purchasing and supply chain activities in a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for sourcing materials, negotiating with suppliers, managing purchase orders, and ensuring timely delivery while balancing cost, quality, and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and purchase materials, tooling, supplies, and services.
• Obtain and evaluate competitive vendor quotes and negotiate pricing and terms.
• Issue and manage purchase orders based on technical specifications.
• Monitor and expedite orders to ensure on-time delivery.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Track supplier performance, pricing, quality, and delivery.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and vendor information in the ERP system.
• Read and interpret mechanical engineering drawings.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Customer Service to resolve purchasing issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience negotiating pricing, terms, and supplier agreements.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to manage changing priorities.
• Professional communication skills and a collaborative team approach.
• Preferred: Experience in a high-dollar, low-volume manufacturing environment.