Strategic Buyer & Supplier Champion

Talentify; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Buyer to support strategic sourcing and purchasing initiatives across the organization, focusing on identifying, evaluating, and qualifying suppliers and components.

This role partners with suppliers and internal teams to uncover cost-saving opportunities, support Value Add projects, improve supplier performance, and maintain a reliable, competitive supply base.

Qualifications

• 1-2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, buying, sourcing, or a related supply chain function.
• Experience with supplier sourcing, evaluation, and/or qualification.
• Ability to analyze supplier pricing, costs, lead times, and performance to support purchasing decisions.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems; SAP experience is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Strong communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with suppliers, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and other internal departments.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new and existing suppliers based on cost, quality, capabilities, lead times, capacity, and delivery performance.
• Develop and support strategic sourcing initiatives designed to reduce material costs and improve overall supplier value.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams on Value Add and cost-reduction projects.
• Evaluate components and materials to identify alternative suppliers or sourcing opportunities that can improve cost, quality, availability, or lead times.
• Solicit and evaluate supplier quotes, compare pricing, and support supplier negotiations.
• Create and manage purchase orders for raw materials, components, and other required supplies.
• Monitor supplier performance and address issues related to pricing, quality, lead times, shortages, or delivery.
• Analyze purchasing data, supplier pricing, and material costs to identify opportunities for savings and process improvement.
• Support the qualification and implementation of new suppliers and components.
• Coordinate with Engineering on product or component changes, including the introduction of new materials and disposition of obsolete inventory.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, lead-time, and purchasing information within the ERP system.
• Work with suppliers to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and increased supply chain efficiency.
• Support material availability and inventory objectives while balancing cost, service, and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Sales, Customer Service, and Operations to support business objectives.
• Support domestic and international sourcing activities, including purchasing from overseas suppliers when applicable.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Supplier sourcing

Pricing/Cost analysis

ERP/MRP systems

SAP experience

MS Excel

Communication/negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

College education

Tools

SAP

ERP/MRP systems

MS Excel

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Aston Carter is seeking a Buyer to support strategic sourcing and purchasing initiatives across the organization, focusing on identifying, evaluating, and qualifying suppliers and components.

This role partners with suppliers and internal teams to uncover cost-saving opportunities, support Value Add projects, improve supplier performance, and maintain a reliable, competitive supply base.