Buyer

Job Title: Buyer / Procurement Specialist

Job Description

The Buyer / Procurement Specialist manages supplier relationships and procures materials required to support production operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role balances quality, cost, delivery, and inventory objectives while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure material availability and uninterrupted production. The position plays a key part in driving supplier performance, inventory optimization, cost savings, and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Procure raw materials, machined components, fabricated parts, finished goods, custom-manufactured products, and indirect materials to support production schedules.
• Create, issue, manage, and track purchase orders from initiation through delivery, ensuring accuracy and timely fulfillment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers and build strong, productive supplier partnerships.
• Monitor supplier performance, including lead times, capacity, delivery commitments, and overall reliability.
• Proactively address material shortages, delivery delays, and supply chain risks to protect production continuity.
• Expedite critical orders when necessary and communicate recovery plans clearly to internal stakeholders.
• Maintain inventory levels that support production requirements while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Review and manage MRP recommendations, validating demand requirements, order quantities, and supplier lead times.
• Support inventory accuracy initiatives and participate in annual physical inventory activities.
• Partner with Planning, Production, Engineering, and Customer Service teams to resolve material availability issues and production constraints.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through supplier negotiations, sourcing strategies, and inventory optimization.
• Support supplier scorecards, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier performance.
• Assess supplier risk and develop contingency plans to minimize business disruptions and protect customer service.
• Drive process improvements aligned with Lean Manufacturing and 80/20 principles to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Support and track key performance indicators related to supplier performance, inventory health, material availability, and purchase price variance.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier data within Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (D365 F&O).
• Ensure supplier pricing, lead times, order parameters, and purchasing records remain current and reliable.
• Analyze purchasing, inventory, and supplier data to support informed, data-driven business decisions.
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ownership and accountability for purchasing outcomes and supplier performance.
• Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and maintain a customer-focused mindset that balances service, cost, quality, and inventory objectives.
• Apply a continuous improvement mentality with a focus on efficiency, measurable results, and process enhancement.
• Remain calm, responsive, and solutions-oriented when managing supply chain disruptions and shifting production priorities.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of purchasing practices, inventory management, material planning, and supplier management.
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive informed decisions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective problem-solving abilities with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for results.
• Ability to build productive supplier and internal stakeholder relationships.
• Data-driven decision-making skills and comfort working with metrics and KPIs.
• Customer-focused mindset that balances service, cost, quality, and inventory objectives.
• Continuous improvement mentality with a focus on efficiency and measurable outcomes.
• Ability to remain calm and responsive when managing supply chain disruptions and production priorities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (D365 F&O).
• Experience sourcing machined components, fabricated parts, and custom-manufactured products.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and 80/20 methodologies.
• Experience negotiating supplier pricing, lead times, contracts, and payment terms.
• Experience in procurement and supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Interest in internal growth and professional development opportunities.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office environment in Hendersonville, TN, supporting a fast-paced manufacturing operation. The position involves regular use of ERP/MRP systems, including Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, and the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, to manage purchasing activities and analyze data. The work setting encourages collaboration with cross-functional teams and offers strong opportunities for internal growth and advancement within the organization.

This is a Permanent position based out of Hendersonville, TN.

The pay range for this position is $60000.00 - $70000.00/yr.

Health, dental, vision, 401k

This is a fully onsite position in Hendersonville,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.