Strategic Buyer - Materials & Supply Chain

Aston Carter; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Buyer to collaborate with production teams and suppliers to purchase materials, supplies, equipment, and services in a hybrid setting in Minneapolis, MN. The role emphasizes tactical purchasing and supporting demand/supply planning, inventory control, and process documentation.

Requires 2+ years in buying within manufacturing, a Bachelor's degree, and proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Excel.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of buying experience in manufacturing.
• Bachelor's degree is mandatory.
• 2+ years of experience with ERP or MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with manufacturing suppliers by soliciting bids, analyzing quotations, and maintaining effective communication.
• Purchase raw materials, components, indirect materials, equipment, and services in line with quality, cost, delivery, and specification requirements.
• Gain familiarity with production schedules, material requirements, lead times, inventory levels, and purchasing priorities.
• Coordinate with production, planning, engineering, quality, and warehouse teams to support material availability and manufacturing objectives.
• Create and maintain accurate purchase orders, pricing, delivery dates, and supplier information within the procurement system.
• Monitor open orders, identify potential shortages or delays, and communicate emerging risks to appropriate stakeholders.
• Support supplier performance management by tracking delivery, quality, responsiveness, and corrective action requirements.
• Assist with resolving material discrepancies, quality concerns, invoice issues, returns, and rejected materials.
• Strengthen negotiation skills through supplier quotations, pricing discussions, lead-time reviews, and commercial comparisons.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvement, inventory optimization, and supply-risk reduction.
• Support sourcing activities for new products, production changes, and supplier transitions.
• Foster effective working relationships with team members and suppliers across diverse backgrounds and organizational levels.

Skills

Buying experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Aston Carter is seeking a Buyer to collaborate with production teams and suppliers to purchase materials, supplies, equipment, and services in a hybrid setting in Minneapolis, MN. The role emphasizes tactical purchasing and supporting demand/supply planning, inventory control, and process documentation.

Requires 2+ years in buying within manufacturing, a Bachelor's degree, and proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Excel.