Senior Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

The Senior Buyer manages end-to-end procurement activities, creating and tracking purchase orders, and aligning purchasing decisions with production requirements and inventory targets. This role builds strong supplier relationships, proactively addresses material shortages and risks, and ensures compliance with procurement standards and regulations. The Senior Buyer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to resolve supply issues, support continuous improvement in purchasing strategies, and monitor supplier performance through key performance indicators (KPIs). In the first 30 days, the Senior Buyer will be trained in the MRP system and begin producing purchase orders; by 60 days, they will customize the MRP system and address accounts payable and accounts receivable questions; by 90 days, they will demonstrate a strong understanding of vendors and evaluate performance against KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Create, manage, and track purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of materials and alignment with production schedules.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to support current and future business needs.
• Align purchasing activities with production requirements and inventory targets to balance availability and cost.
• Proactively identify material shortages, supply risks, or potential disruptions and drive timely resolutions.
• Escalate supply issues as needed and coordinate solutions with internal teams and external vendors.
• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, procurement standards, and applicable regulations.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Supply Chain teams to address supply constraints, backorders, and unplanned demand changes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in purchasing strategies, supplier performance, and material flow processes.
• Track, analyze, and report supplier performance and procurement-related key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Utilize the MRP system effectively, including configuration and customization to support business needs over time.
• Address accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) questions related to purchasing activities.
• Apply advanced purchasing terminology, practices, and cost reduction methods to achieve savings and efficiency.
• Interpret engineering blueprints and manufacturing processes to ensure accurate and appropriate material purchases.
• Use analytical and mathematical skills to evaluate supplier quotes, pricing, and total cost of ownership.
• Leverage strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms, pricing, and service levels from suppliers.
• Demonstrate self-motivation by managing workload, meeting deadlines, and working with minimal supervision.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal stakeholders and external suppliers via email, phone, and other channels.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, logistics, a quantitative field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, preferred.
• Strong vendor management experience, including evaluating suppliers using KPIs.
• Advanced knowledge of purchasing terminology, practices, and cost reduction methods.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints and understand manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas, and familiarity with the broader MS Office Suite.
• Experience working with accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) as they relate to purchasing.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills to support data-driven purchasing decisions.
• Effective negotiation skills to achieve favorable pricing and terms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional phone etiquette.
• Computer savvy with the ability to quickly learn and navigate business systems and tools.
• Self-driven and results-oriented mindset with a positive outlook.
• Ability to complete tasks on time with little to no supervision.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts.
• Experience customizing or configuring MRP systems to meet specific business needs.
• Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement in purchasing and material flow processes.
• Experience tracking and reporting procurement-related KPIs and supplier performance metrics.
• Strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams such as Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Supply Chain.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with changing demand and priorities.

Work Environment

uyer works closely with production, engineering, quality, logistics, and supply chain teams to ensure materials are available when needed. The position relies heavily on the use of an MRP system, Microsoft Excel, and the broader MS Office Suite to manage purchase orders, analyze data, and report on supplier performance. The work involves regular interaction with suppliers and internal stakeholders via email, phone, and virtual meetings. The schedule typically follows standard business hours, with flexibility required to address urgent supply issues or unplanned demand changes. The environment emphasizes continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and professional communication.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elon, NC.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $37.50/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 Elon,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® 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.