Junior Buyer

Job Title: Junior BuyerJob Description

We are seeking a motivated Junior Buyer to join our dynamic team. This role is vital in procuring raw materials and developing a robust supplier base. The ideal candidate will be involved in various purchasing activities, ensuring seamless supply chain operations and contributing to cost-effective procurement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Directly procure raw materials and develop a suitable supplier base by determining material requirements and developing rolling supplier schedules or purchase orders.
• Consolidate requirements and determine the most suitable method of purchase, such as spot purchase orders, contracts, blanket orders, and supplier stocking arrangements.
• Issue schedules to suppliers on a rolling basis and establish delivery priorities.
• Maintain close contact with suppliers and resolve any issues or conflicts that arise.
• Prepare data to show supplier performance, issues, and improvement actions.
• Advise management on current market conditions and supplier base activity that could affect pricing and delivery.
• Familiarize with the end use of commodities to identify potential cost savings through alternate materials or specifications.
• Evaluate suppliers using methods such as supplier visitation and various objective performance measurements, including on-time delivery, service performance, and price performance.
• Provide purchasing support for ordering maintenance and expense items.
• Act as the Purchasing Department representative responsible for business systems and analyze the current purchasing system.
• Analyze and maintain minimum inventory levels and address slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
• Collaborate with the QA Manager on purchasing department issues related to the ISO 9000 registration process.
• Attend production meetings as required.
• Travel domestically and possibly internationally as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Purchasing and Supply Chain Manager.
  
  

Essential Skills

• 1-2 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or buying.
• 1-2 years of experience with ERP/MRP systems, preferably SAP.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
  
  

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with SAP is beneficial.
• Inventory management experience is a plus.
• College education is preferred.
• Exposure to ordering products from overseas suppliers.
• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and techniques for maximizing effective manufacture of goods and services.
• Strong logical and reasoning skills for evaluating alternative solutions.
• Positive attitude and excellent communication skills.
• Ownership of workload with a proactive approach.
• Supportive and team-oriented mindset.
• Professional, reliable, and invested in team culture.
  
  

Work Environment

This role is 100% onsite, operating Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, with some flexibility in start and end times. The work environment is modern and professional, featuring a large office staff and multiple departments. The team structure includes eight people, with three individuals in the same position, working in an open floor space with cubicles. The office is equipped with modern, updated workspaces, including stand-up desks. The company is growing and experiencing positive changes, offering significant opportunities for career advancement. Key internal relationships include collaboration with Customer Service, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Finance, Sales, and Operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Loves Park, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Loves Park,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Dec 17, 2025.
  
  

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® 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.