Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

This Buyer role focuses on sourcing and procuring components and materials that support a government-regulated manufacturing environment. The position oversees the full purchasing lifecycle, from issuing Requests for Quotes and negotiating with suppliers to administering purchase orders and ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS and Department of Defense requirements. The Buyer collaborates closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to maintain material availability, manage supplier performance, and support on-time, cost-effective program execution.

Responsibilities

• Generate Requests for Quotes (RFQs) to source materials and components, and monitor and negotiate with suppliers during the bid process to secure the best combination of pricing, quality, and lead time.
• Prepare, place, and administer purchase orders and subcontracts, ensuring complete and accurate documentation, including source justifications, certifications, and compliance with FAR/DFARS and Department of Defense requirements.
• Administer subcontracts and purchase orders to control costs, track performance, and ensure on-time delivery in support of program schedules and production needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers, clearly communicating all applicable program, company, engineering, quality, and technical specifications and holding suppliers accountable for program performance.
• Lead the identification, qualification, and due diligence of suppliers, including evaluating and developing alternate sources as needed to strengthen the supply base.
• Develop and implement action plans to improve supplier performance, mitigate supplier risks, and support long-term supplier relationships.
• Coordinate with suppliers to manage returns and replenishment of discrepant materials, minimizing impact on production schedules and material flow.
• Assist in planning and executing internal and external supplier audits to verify compliance with contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements.
• Interface regularly with Suppliers, Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to maintain material availability, ensure accurate requirements flow-down, and support continuous production.
• Comply with all safety regulations and maintain a clean, organized, and orderly work area.
• Perform other related purchasing and supply chain duties as assigned to support overall business and program objectives.

Essential Skills

• 5–10 years of comparable purchasing experience in a manufacturing or similar environment.
• Previous purchasing experience in a Government Contracting environment, including familiarity with FAR clauses and government-regulated manufacturing requirements.
• Experience purchasing components and managing component-level supply chains.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
• Ability to understand Bills of Materials (BOMs) and how they relate to materials and components in production.
• Familiarity with various commodities and component manufacturing methods.
• Strong negotiation skills with a proven ability to secure favorable pricing, terms, and lead times.
• Demonstrated vendor management experience, including performance monitoring and relationship development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to collaborate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple RFQs, purchase orders, and supplier relationships simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and related tools used for purchasing and reporting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with FAR and DFARS requirements in a purchasing or subcontracting capacity.
• Background in buyer or purchasing roles within government-regulated or defense-related manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to or participation in supplier audits, both internal and external.
• Experience coordinating closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to support material planning and availability.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement action plans to improve supplier performance and mitigate risk.
• Interest in working within a strong, mentorship-focused culture that supports professional development and long-term tenure.

Work Environment

The Buyer works in a structured, government-regulated manufacturing environment that emphasizes compliance, accuracy, and collaboration. The role involves frequent interaction with Engineering, Quality, Production, and supplier partners to ensure a steady flow of components and materials to support ongoing programs. Work is primarily performed in an office setting within a manufacturing facility, using Microsoft applications and standard purchasing tools to manage RFQs, purchase orders, and supplier communications. The environment values a strong culture of mentorship, professional growth, and long-term team stability, with an emphasis on organized, clean, and safe work areas in alignment with company safety regulations.

This is a Permanent position based out of Janesville, WI.

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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

This is a fully onsite position in Janesville,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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® 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 View email address on ziprecruiter.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.