Buyer

Job Description The Purchasing Clerk / Buyer is responsible for the strategic procurement of materials, components, equipment, and services that support manufacturing and operational objectives. This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and contractual agreements, evaluates vendor performance, and ensures the timely acquisition of quality materials at the most favorable total cost. The Purchasing Clerk / Buyer collaborates closely with Engineering, Operations, Production Planning, and Quality teams to support production schedules, mitigate supply chain risks, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Job Title Purchasing Clerk / Buyer Responsibilities Procure materials, components, supplies, and services in support of production and overall business requirements. Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, terms, and contract agreements to achieve cost savings and improve operational efficiency. Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure that quality, delivery, and service expectations are consistently met. Analyze purchase requirements, inventory levels, and demand forecasts to maintain material availability while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory. Evaluate supplier performance using metrics such as quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness, and implement corrective actions when necessary. Source and qualify new suppliers to improve competitiveness, reduce supply chain risk, and support business growth. Expedite critical orders and resolve issues related to material shortages, delivery delays, quality concerns, and invoice discrepancies. Collaborate with Engineering and Quality teams regarding product changes, specifications, and supplier capabilities to ensure alignment with manufacturing needs. Maintain accurate procurement records, purchase orders, and related data within ERP/MRP systems. Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on procurement processes, inventory optimization, and overall supply chain performance. Perform data entry and order entry tasks accurately to ensure timely processing of purchasing and administrative documentation. Provide administrative support related to purchasing activities, including invoicing follow-up and pricing updates. Essential Skills 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated experience qualifying vendors, evaluating bids, and negotiating pricing and contractual terms. Experience purchasing technical, engineered, or custom-manufactured components. Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems for purchasing and inventory management. Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable pricing, terms, and delivery conditions. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess supplier performance, inventory levels, and demand forecasts. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for data entry and analysis. Experience in purchasing administration, including purchase order creation, order entry, and invoicing support. Experience in supply chain operations, inventory management, and vendor management. Ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Operations, Production Planning, and Quality teams. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. Prior experience in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred. Experience with SAP or similar ERP platforms is an advantage. Familiarity with negotiation and supplier management best practices. Experience handling pricing analysis and Excel-based data entry. Ability to support continuous improvement efforts in procurement and supply chain processes. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record-keeping. Effective communication skills for working with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Work Environment This is a full-time, onsite role based in an office environment in Hopewell Junction, NY. The position follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday. The role operates within a manufacturing-focused organization, working closely with engineering, operations, production planning, and quality functions. It is structured as a contract-to-permanent opportunity of approximately six months, with eligibility to accrue New York State sick time as paid time off and receive six paid holidays through the assignment. Work is primarily performed using ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Office applications, and standard office equipment in a professional setting. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hopewell Junction, NY. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $38.46/hr. 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. 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 Hopewell Junction, NY. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Actalent