Senior Buyer/planner

Job Title: Senior Supply Chain Specialist - Buyer/Planner

Job Description

This role is pivotal in managing planning, procurement, and supplier coordination to support production, maintain optimal inventory levels, and ensure continuity of supply in a regulated manufacturing environment. The position involves collaboration with vendors, sales, marketing, and manufacturing teams, contributing to valued partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple product lines from procurement to finished goods inventory.

• Develop material purchase plans based on sales forecasts and customer demand.

• Analyze inventory usage, scrap, and waste to provide strategic insights for improving inventory flow.

• Develop strategies to manage supply fluctuations, including shortages, logistics delays, engineering changes, and order adjustments while maintaining appropriate inventory levels.

• Coordinate material movements between storage areas and external suppliers to ensure materials are available when needed.

• Provide high-level recommendations on projects for each product line.

• Source materials and potential resources worldwide.

• Communicate inventory risk, trends, and performance metrics to Senior management.

• Collaborate with 3PL companies to ensure trade compliance documents and certifications are in line for import and export.

• Engage in supplier sourcing and negotiation.

• Perform a balanced mix of purchasing and planning responsibilities.

Essential Skills

• Experience in purchasing, planning, and scheduling within supply chain management.

• Strong knowledge of ERP systems (experience with JDE is a plus).

• 5-10 years of supply chain experience, including buying and planning.

• Manufacturing experience in a regulated setting (e.g., pharmaceutical, medical device, automotive, aerospace).

• Proficiency in resource planning and supplier negotiations.

• Advanced skills in Excel and long-term forecasting.

• Experience in managing manufacturing schedules and communication.

• Experience working with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required for career growth within the company.

• Strong analytical skills to assist in planning and purchasing decisions.

• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively with multiple departments.

• A problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach to business challenges.

Work Environment

The company is a niche medical device manufacturer specializing in ophthalmology, supplying eye doctors with products and tools for treating dry eye and performing eye procedures. The role is primarily based at the manufacturing site but requires visits to the corporate HQ, located nearby. The position offers flexible work hours, with most of the team starting between 7-9 AM. This is a 100% onsite role. The team includes two entry-level buyers and an operations assistant. There is potential for upward mobility to a managerial role, contingent on having a college degree. The company culture emphasizes promotion from within, as demonstrated by the growth of the current GM who started as a customer service representative.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Glendora, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/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 Glendora,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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® 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 click.appcast.io (%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.