Lead Buyer
Join Our Team as a Lead Buyer
Are you a strategic procurement professional with experience in manufacturing environments? We are seeking a Lead Buyer to play a key role in ensuring the timely procurement of materials and services that support production operations. In this position, you will collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimize cost, quality, and delivery while maintaining a reliable supply chain.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy building supplier relationships, and have a passion for driving operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do
As a Lead Buyer, you will be responsible for managing the full purchasing lifecycle and supporting business objectives through effective sourcing, planning, and supplier management. Key responsibilities include:
- Manage material planning activities through MRP systems to support production schedules.
- Source and procure materials, components, and services while balancing cost, quality, and delivery requirements.
- Prepare and issue RFQs, evaluate supplier quotations, and negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms.
- Create, release, and maintain purchase orders within ERP systems, ensuring data accuracy.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, supporting supplier qualification and performance initiatives.
- Monitor supplier performance and collaborate on continuous improvement efforts.
- Expedite orders, manage lead times, and proactively resolve supply or delivery issues.
- Track inventory levels and support management of surplus and obsolete materials.
- Investigate product quality concerns, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
- Generate and analyze purchasing, supplier performance, and cost-saving reports.
- Partner closely with engineering, production, and operations teams to ensure material requirements are met.
- Identify and implement cost reduction and process improvement opportunities.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing agreements, contracts, and supplier information.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3-5 years of purchasing, procurement, or buying experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Experience sourcing and purchasing mechanical or industrial components.
- Strong negotiation skills with a demonstrated ability to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
- Experience utilizing ERP systems for purchasing activities and vendor management.
- Familiarity with MRP-based planning and inventory management.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
- High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience purchasing mechanical hardware such as nuts, bolts, fasteners, and related components.
- Experience working with global suppliers and international supply chains.
- Contract negotiation and supplier agreement management experience.
- ERP experience with SAP or similar platforms.
- Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain and procurement processes.
- Experience developing and maintaining supplier performance metrics and reports.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process optimization and cost reduction.
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 with regular interaction with manufacturing and engineering teams.
This is a Permanent position based out of Sheboygan Falls, WI.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $100000.00/yr.
Employee Benefits Paid Time Off (PTO): Employees become eligible for PTO immediately upon hire. Wellness Program: The company offers access to its Wellness Center and has an onsite physical therapy service. Recreational Access: Employees receive free access to the company's private golf course. Health Insurance: The benefits plan covers various medical services, including hospice care, inpatient/outpatient hospital services, and pre-admission testing. Short-Term Disability: A short-term disability plan is available for employees. Second Shift Benefits: Second-shift positions, such as the Painter role, offer additional benefits like a shift premium, paid lunch, and extra vacation time after one year of service.
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Sheboygan Falls,WI.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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.
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