Buyer
Job Description
The Buyer plays a key role in sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials used in the production process. This position focuses on preparing and administering purchase orders and subcontracts, maintaining compliance with government contracting requirements, and supporting cross-functional teams to ensure material availability, quality, and on-time delivery. The role offers a strong culture of mentorship and professional development within a collaborative purchasing and supply chain environment.
Responsibilities
Generate Requests for Quotes (RFQs) to source, monitor, and negotiate with suppliers during the bid process, securing optimal pricing, quality, and lead times for production materials.
Prepare, place, and administer purchase orders to ensure subcontractor compliance, including documentation of source justifications, certifications, and adherence to FAR/DFARS and Department of Defense (DoD) requirements.
Administer subcontracts and purchase orders to control costs, track performance, and ensure on-time delivery in support of program requirements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers, ensuring that all applicable program, company, compliance, engineering, quality, and technical specifications are clearly communicated and understood.
Lead the identification, qualification, and due diligence of suppliers, including evaluating alternatives and developing action plans to improve supplier performance and mitigate supplier risks.
Coordinate with suppliers to manage returns and replenishment of discrepant materials, minimizing impact to the production process and schedules.
Assist in internal and external supplier audits, supporting compliance, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Interface regularly with Suppliers, Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to maintain material availability and ensure smooth material flow through the production process.
Comply with safety regulations and maintain a clean, orderly, and organized work area.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support purchasing, supply chain, and program objectives.
Essential Skills
5-10 years of comparable purchasing experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
Previous purchasing experience in a government contracting environment, including familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses.
Experience working with government contracts or government-regulated manufacturing operations.
Negotiation skills with a proven ability to manage and develop vendor relationships.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and understand Bills of Materials (BOMs).
Familiarity with various commodities and component manufacturing methods.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel, and other common office tools.
Demonstrated ability to administer purchase orders and subcontracts in compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with FAR and DFARS requirements in a purchasing or supply chain role.
Experience in buying or purchasing functions within a regulated or defense-related environment.
Knowledge of supplier qualification processes and supplier performance improvement initiatives.
Experience participating in or supporting supplier audits, both internal and external.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Quality, and Production.
Interest in working in a culture that emphasizes mentorship, knowledge sharing, and long-term team development.
Work Environment
The Buyer works in a professional office and production-support environment, collaborating closely with engineering, quality, production, and supplier partners to ensure consistent material availability and flow. The role relies heavily on standard office technologies and Microsoft applications for RFQ generation, purchase order administration, documentation, and reporting. Work is typically performed during regular business hours, with periods of higher activity aligned to program deadlines and supplier negotiations. The environment emphasizes safety, requiring adherence to all safety regulations and the maintenance of clean, orderly, and well-organized work areas. The culture promotes strong tenure, mentorship, and continuous learning, offering opportunities to grow within a supportive and collaborative team.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Janesville, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $95000.00/yr.
Company benefits will be shared upon initial conversation with Actalent and any related questions can be answered at this time. Thank you for expressing interest in working with Actalent. - 401(k) matching - Dental insurance - Health insurance - Health savings account - Life insurance - Paid time off - Vision insurance
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Janesville,WI.
Application Deadline
This 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 (%20astoncarteraccommodation@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.
