Supply Chain Buyer

Vaco Recruiter Services; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco Recruiter Services is seeking a Supply Chain Buyer for a contract (potential contract-to-hire) position in Hawthorne, CA. The role focuses on tactical purchasing to support production and safeguard schedules in a defense/aerospace manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in purchasing or expediting, strong Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables), ERP experience (NetSuite preferred), and the ability to juggle priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, tactical buying, procurement, expediting, or supply chain operations.
• Defense or aerospace industry experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required (Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred).
• Intermediate Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables.
• Experience working within ERP systems; NetSuite experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create, release, and manage purchase orders based on MRP signals and production requirements.
• Maintain open order, shortage, and past-due reports to ensure uninterrupted material flow.
• Expedite critical materials and work directly with suppliers to recover late deliveries.
• Obtain and track supplier commitments, delivery schedules, and shipment status updates.
• Coordinate partial shipments, expedited freight, and alternate sourcing solutions when necessary.
• Monitor inbound shipments and resolve transportation, documentation, and receiving issues.
• Communicate material shortages, risks, and recovery plans to planning, manufacturing, and operations teams.
• Escalate critical supply issues with recommendations and impact assessments.
• Support production schedules by proactively identifying and mitigating supply chain disruptions.

Skills

Supplier communication

Procurement

Excel skills

Education

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

Tools

NetSuite

ERP systems

Job description

Supply Chain Buyer

Employment Type: Contract (Potential Contract-to-Hire)

Location: Hawthorne, CA (100% Onsite)

Pay: $32-$40/hr

Overview

A rapidly growing company in the defense and aerospace industry is seeking a Supply Chain Buyer to support increasing operational demand. This role is open due to growth and will play a critical part in ensuring material availability, maintaining supplier performance, and protecting production schedules.

This is a highly tactical, execution-focused position ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, enjoys supplier communication, and can effectively manage competing priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, release, and manage purchase orders based on MRP signals and production requirements
• Maintain open order, shortage, and past-due reports to ensure uninterrupted material flow
• Expedite critical materials and work directly with suppliers to recover late deliveries
• Obtain and track supplier commitments, delivery schedules, and shipment status updates
• Coordinate partial shipments, expedited freight, and alternate sourcing solutions when necessary
• Monitor inbound shipments and resolve transportation, documentation, and receiving issues
• Communicate material shortages, risks, and recovery plans to planning, manufacturing, and operations teams
• Escalate critical supply issues with recommendations and impact assessments
• Support production schedules by proactively identifying and mitigating supply chain disruptions

Qualifications & Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, tactical buying, procurement, expediting, or supply chain operations
• Experience supporting manufacturing environments required
• Defense or aerospace industry experience strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree required (Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred)
• Intermediate Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent supplier follow-up, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Experience working within ERP systems; NetSuite experience preferred
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, production-driven environment

Preferred Experience

• Defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
• High-volume purchasing and supplier management
• Production support and material shortage recovery initiatives