Buyer

Job Title: Buyer/Purchasing Specialist Location: Richmond, VA Employment Type: Direct Placement/Full time Industry: Manufacturing Compensation: $70-75k Schedule: M-F 8am-5pm onsite About the Opportunity The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for managing procurement activities for assigned product lines, serving as the primary buyer and vendor relationship manager. This role oversees daily ordering, vendor management, and strategic sourcing to ensure materials are available to meet production schedules while maintaining cost effectiveness and quality standards. Key responsibilities include managing supplier performance, negotiating pricing and terms, conducting quoting activities to support engineering and production needs, and driving process improvements across the procurement lifecycle. The position requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to build strategic vendor partnerships that support company growth and operational excellence. Why You'll Love Working Here Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates Why This Opportunity is Exciting This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally. About Acara Solutions Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide. Sound like a good fit? What You'll Do Oversee and participate in the daily ordering of assigned product lines Manage vendors to meet the standards of reliability, quality, on-time delivery, and cost through vendor performance KPIs and regular meetings Conduct quoting activities to support engineering projects and ensure suppliers provide competitive pricing Coordinate with internal teams on material lead time and availability Lead onboarding and development of new suppliers for assigned product lines Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings Drive process improvements and efficiencies in ordering, receiving, and invoicing workflows Resolve purchase order discrepancies and supply chain disruptions proactively Forecast material requirements based on production schedules and demand planning Collaborate with Material Support Team on material flow and kitting processes Work with engineering and production teams to identify material specifications and requirements Assist in developing and implementing strategies for cost savings and value analysis Provide coverage for other buyers as necessary Participate in supplier audits and quality improvement initiatives Job Requirements What You'll Bring Minimum 2 years' experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management in a manufacturing environment What Sets You Apart Detail-oriented with strong commitment to accuracy Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities effectively Excellent negotiation and communication skills Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Self-motivated with ability to work independently Strategic thinker with tactical execution capabilities Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered Proficiency in ERP systems, Excel, Word, and Outlook Understanding of material planning and forecasting methods Positive and ambitious attitude Team player with collaborative mindset Additional Information Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran. Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status. #J-18808-Ljbffr