Purchasing Assistant

Aston Carter; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support the procurement and supply chain team in Wisconsin. The role focuses on monitoring purchase orders, maintaining supplier relationships, supporting sourcing initiatives, and ensuring timely delivery of materials while helping optimize costs and maintain quality standards.

Ideal candidates have 1-3 years of purchasing or supply chain experience and an Associate degree or equivalent.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of purchasing, procurement, buying, or supply chain experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitor open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers on status and deliveries.
• Assist with RFQs, evaluate sourcing strategies, and identify cost-effective procurement solutions.
• Maintain procurement data in ERP and purchasing systems, including supplier information and purchase orders.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and COP teams to ensure on-time delivery and resolve issues.
• Support supplier onboarding and maintain supplier records.
• Participate in supplier negotiations related to pricing, lead times, and terms.
• Assist in documentary records for nonconformances and corrective actions.

Skills

Excel

Verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Analytical and problem solving

Multitasking and prioritization

Team collaboration

Mathematical skills

Education

Associate degree in Supply Chain Management / Business Administration or related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

ERP systems

Purchasing platforms

Asset management software

Job description

Job Description

The Assistant Buyer supports the procurement and supply chain team in acquiring materials, products, and services necessary to meet organizational requirements. This role is responsible for monitoring purchase orders, maintaining supplier relationships, supporting sourcing initiatives, and ensuring timely delivery of materials while helping optimize costs and maintain quality standards. The Assistant Buyer works cross-functionally with production, engineering, customer service, and supply chain teams to ensure operational success and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor open purchase orders and proactively follow up with suppliers regarding scheduled deliveries and order status.
• Support vendor onboarding activities by collecting and processing required documentation and maintaining supplier records.
• Review Material Requirements Planning (MRP) data and assist with the timely creation and management of purchase orders.
• Assist in preparing Requests for Quotations (RFQs) and evaluating sourcing strategies to identify cost-effective procurement solutions.
• Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP and purchasing systems, including supplier information, pricing, purchase orders, confirmations, and inventory updates.
• Manage supplier communications through designated portals and communication channels.
• Address delivery concerns, communicate schedule changes, and elevate critical supply issues to procurement leadership as needed.
• Partner with Engineering to establish new part numbers, specifications, and supplier selections for new products and projects.
• Participate in supplier negotiations related to pricing, lead times, terms and conditions, and overall value.
• Utilize supply chain metrics and reporting tools to support purchasing decisions and inventory management.
• Process product rejection and nonconformance documentation, coordinate corrective actions with suppliers, and arrange disposition of defective materials.
• Serve as a liaison between Production, Engineering, Customer Service, and Customer Order Processing (COP) teams to help ensure products are delivered on time.
• Collaborate with team members to proactively identify and resolve procurement, inventory, and supplier-related issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within purchasing and supply chain operations.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years of purchasing, procurement, buying, or supply chain experience.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience working with ERP systems, purchasing platforms, and asset management software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting global suppliers or international procurement activities.
• Exposure to supplier contract negotiations and vendor management.
• Manufacturing industry experience preferred.

Employee Value Proposition

• Opportunity to be part of a growing organization with significant long-term business expansion.
• Involvement in a major multi-year strategic initiative ("Project Power") expected to generate new business opportunities and career growth.
• Exposure to cross-functional teams and supply chain operations that support professional development within procurement and sourcing.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Supply Chain Manager

Work Environment

• 100% onsite position.
• Monday-Friday schedule.
• Typical hours: 7:00 AM-3:00 PM or 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
• Primarily office-based environment with moderate noise levels.
• Occasional visits to manufacturing and production areas required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Sheboygan Falls, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/hr.

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,