Senior Buyer

Actively Hiring! | Senior Buyer | Davenport, IA | Apply Now!
Job Description
The Senior Buyer leads the procurement of metal fabrication components and electronic assemblies that support custom welding positioners, robotic weld cells, and automation systems. This role focuses on sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers to ensure on-time delivery, cost control, quality performance, and supply continuity in alignment with a Factory of the Future strategy. The Senior Buyer works closely with a collaborative procurement team and cross-functional partners to support a growing manufacturing operation with a strong backlog and ongoing expansion.
Responsibilities

• Lead the procurement of structural steel, plate, tubing, and machined components to support custom welding positioners and automation systems.
• Source and manage suppliers for precision fabricated weldments and machined assemblies, ensuring high quality and reliability.
• Procure motors, drives, gearboxes, and power transmission components to support robotic weld cells and related equipment.
• Manage purchasing of PLCs, HMIs, sensors, cabling, and electrical panels for industrial electronics and automation applications.
• Source automation and motion control components that align with production and Factory of the Future initiatives.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost control while maintaining quality and delivery performance.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure supply continuity and mitigate risk.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings and bills of materials (BOMs) to determine accurate material and component requirements.
• Use ERP systems (such as M1, NetSuite, or similar) to manage purchase orders, track deliveries, and maintain accurate procurement data.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and other internal teams to align procurement activities with project timelines and operational needs.
• Monitor supplier performance in terms of quality, delivery, and cost, and drive continuous improvement with key suppliers.
• Support the implementation and execution of Factory of the Future strategies through effective sourcing and supplier management.
• Wear multiple hats within a small procurement team, contributing to process improvements and supporting broader supply chain initiatives.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and continued education opportunities to enhance procurement and supply chain expertise.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5-10+ years of purchasing experience in manufacturing or capital equipment environments.
• Strong knowledge of metal fabrication processes, including laser cutting, machining, welding, and forming.
• Strong knowledge of industrial electronics and automation components.
• Demonstrated negotiation experience with suppliers, including pricing and contract discussions.
• Proven supplier management experience, including performance monitoring and relationship development.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and bills of materials (BOMs).
• ERP system experience, with familiarity in M1, NetSuite, or similar platforms.
• Background in supply chain, planning, purchasing, or procurement within a manufacturing context.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and contribute within a small office structure.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience purchasing components for welding positioners, robotic weld cells, or automation systems.
• Exposure to Factory of the Future or advanced manufacturing strategies.
• Comfort working in a role that requires wearing multiple hats and adapting to evolving responsibilities.
• Interest in leveraging continued education opportunities to grow within the organization.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with engineering, production, and other internal stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a positive, team-focused culture with low turnover and strong employee engagement.

Work Environment
The Senior Buyer works within a small, close-knit procurement team of four people in a collaborative office setting, where personality fit and teamwork are highly valued. The culture emphasizes a big-team environment in which everyone works together and feels valued, with very low turnover and strong support for work-life balance, including paid overtime. The workplace promotes a fun, positive atmosphere, with team lunches provided twice a week and ongoing growth driven by a high backlog and continued expansion. Employees have the opportunity to wear many different hats and work with leadership to navigate and develop their career goals. Continued education is offered to support professional growth. The dress code is casual, with jeans and t-shirts acceptable, and steel-toed shoes required; vouchers are provided to help cover safety footwear.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rock Island, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $45.67/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 Rock Island,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 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® 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.