Buyer

The Buyer will support purchasing activities by verifying requirements, preparing and forwarding purchase orders to suppliers, and managing all administrative tasks related to vendor quote requests and purchase orders. This role works onsite in an office environment, communicates regularly with vendors by phone and email, and collaborates closely with internal teams to ensure timely delivery of materials and accurate documentation. The position offers an opportunity to learn a unique supply chain setup and grow within the purchasing and manufacturing industry.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate purchase orders by verifying specifications and pricing, and obtain recommendations from suppliers for suitable substitute items when needed.
• Secure necessary approvals from the requisitioning department before issuing purchase orders.
• Forward purchase orders to suppliers and monitor order status to ensure timely processing and delivery.
• Expedite orders when required to meet production or customer deadlines.
• Verify receipt of items by comparing delivered goods to purchase orders and resolve shipment discrepancies directly with suppliers.
• Authorize payment for purchases by forwarding receiving documentation and related records to the accounting team.
• Maintain up-to-date records of purchased products, delivery information, and invoices using an MRP system, including Epicor when applicable.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize purchasing data and trends to support purchasing planning and control activities.
• Manage vendor relationships through consistent phone and email communication, building trust and maintaining professional rapport.
• Assist the receiving department to ensure timely receipt of materials and resolve any issues related to incoming shipments.
• Support accounts payable in resolving invoice discrepancies and ensuring accurate and timely payments to suppliers.
• Compare and evaluate vendor pricing to support cost-effective purchasing decisions.
• Track orders from placement through delivery, ensuring deadlines are met and communicating any delays or issues to internal stakeholders.
• Engage in vendor communication regarding pricing and payment terms, such as negotiating discounts in exchange for favorable payment terms, while not managing formal contract negotiations.
• Handle purchasing of raw materials, parts, machine assemblies, and vendor kits that may require multiple transactions and coordination within the facility.
• Review basic schematics or drawings as needed, leveraging support from engineering for more complex technical information.
• Communicate proactively with internal teams via email, in-person discussions, and collaboration tools to keep stakeholders informed of order status, issues, and resolutions.
• Ask questions and seek clarification when issues arise, escalating concerns rather than making uninformed decisions independently.
• Demonstrate reliability by being on time, maintaining an open and transparent communication style, and following through on commitments.
• Perform related purchasing duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the broader planning and supply chain team.

• 1–3 years of related experience in purchasing or buying, including experience in planning and purchasing of castings, machined and sheet metal fabricated parts, and standard electronic components and hardware.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interpret manufacturing drawings and familiarity with electronic components and machined and sheet metal parts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, with at least basic to limited Excel skills.
• Knowledge of MRP systems, with experience in Epicor considered a strong plus.
• Strong supply management skills, including purchasing and vendor coordination.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks in a high-volume environment.
• Effective negotiation skills for comparing and evaluating vendor pricing and discussing basic pricing and payment terms.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for frequent interaction via phone, email, and collaboration tools.
• Solid interpersonal skills to interact effectively with suppliers, internal planners, receiving, engineering, and accounting teams.
• Self-starter mindset with a drive for continuous cost improvement and process efficiency.
• Responsible and accountable work style, with reliability and punctuality in daily attendance.
• Willingness to ask questions, seek guidance, and maintain an open-book approach to communication.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Exposure to a manufacturing environment beyond the minimum requirements is beneficial.
• Experience using Epicor MRP or similar ERP/MRP systems is a plus.
• Interest in growing within the purchasing, supply chain, or manufacturing industry.
• Comfort with basic schematic or drawing review, with the ability to collaborate with engineering for detailed technical support.
• Ability to adapt to a unique supply chain setup and learn new systems and processes through training.
• Character traits that include accountability, reliability, and a strong work ethic.

This is a full-time, onsite role in a manufacturing office environment with a standard Monday through Friday schedule. Typical hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility to start earlier (such as 7:00 a.m.) as needed. The role involves working closely with a senior planner and other internal teams on a normal first-shift schedule. The Buyer spends the majority of time in an office setting using computers, Microsoft Office applications, and an MRP system such as Epicor, while also coordinating with receiving, engineering, and accounting within the facility. The work pace can vary week to week, depending on order volume and complexity, ranging from straightforward purchase orders to more involved orders that may take a full day to complete. The environment emphasizes clear, proactive communication, punctuality, and collaboration, with a culture that supports training, development, and growth for motivated individuals.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.

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® double diamond 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.