Purchasing Agent

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Purchasing Agent About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing Agent to support our growing manufacturing operation. In this role, you will manage day-to-day procurement activities, collaborate with internal teams, and build strong supplier relationships to ensure materials are delivered on time, at the right cost, and at the highest quality.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about supply chain efficiency and continuous improvement.

• Procure raw materials and production-related components to ensure consistent manufacturing operations
• Create, manage, and maintain purchase orders with accurate pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules
• Partner with production, planning, and operations teams to resolve material needs and issues
• Monitor supplier lead times and proactively address shortages, delays, or delivery risks
• Expedite critical orders to meet production schedules and customer commitments
• Build and maintain strong relationships with both domestic and international suppliers
• Track and evaluate supplier performance using key metrics such as delivery, quality, responsiveness, and compliance
• Hold suppliers accountable to service, quality, and contractual expectations
• Support supplier negotiations to achieve cost savings and improved terms
• Identify new supplier opportunities and contribute to supplier development initiatives
• Assist with inventory planning to balance material availability and minimize excess
• Analyze procurement and supplier data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, documentation, and supplier information
• Use ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office tools to manage purchasing activity and reporting
• Generate reports to support decision-making across procurement and operations

• 2+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience sourcing raw materials (e.g., metals, hardware, packaging, or components)
• Proven ability to manage purchase orders and supplier relationships in a production setting
• Strong Excel skills and experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

• Experience in a job shop manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with supplier scorecards or vendor performance management
• Experience working with international suppliers
• Hands-on experience with JobBOSS or similar ERP systems
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field
• Back ground in inventory management and procurement processes
• Interest in continuous improvement and process optimization

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

The pay range for this position is $30.76 - $39.42/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 Saint Paul,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 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.