Associate Buyer

Job Description

The Associate Buyer supports day-to-day purchasing activities by reviewing requisitions, issuing purchase orders, and coordinating closely with Production, Quality, and Engineering teams to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of inventory. This role plays a key part in maintaining accurate procurement data, supporting supplier relationships, and contributing to a structured, process-driven supply chain function.

This onsite role in San Diego offers exposure to international procurement operations and provides a strong foundation for a long-term career in purchasing and supply chain management. This is a contract position to cover a maternity leave.

• Review and analyze purchase requisitions for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with business requirements.
• Coordinate purchasing activities with Production, Quality, and Engineering to support inventory needs.
• Process purchase requisitions and manage purchase orders from initiation through delivery confirmation.
• Prepare, issue, and manage Requests for Quotes (RFQs), ensuring competitive pricing and delivery terms.
• Secure and analyze supplier quotations; negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with domestic and offshore suppliers.
• Maintain accurate procurement system data, including part parameters, supplier records, quote tables, and part/supplier codes.
• Monitor and resolve procurement system error reports and data discrepancies.
• Communicate regularly with internal stakeholders, including Accounting, Logistics, and EHS, to ensure smooth purchasing operations.
• Research and develop new supply sources when current suppliers are no longer competitive or when additional capacity is required.
• Coordinate with local and regional suppliers (including Bay Area partners) on parts cleaning, analysis, and on-time delivery.
• Track open orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and resolution of delivery or quality issues.
• Prepare backorder reports and other purchasing status updates for management as requested.
• Monitor supplier inventory levels when applicable and support supplier inventory control efforts.
• Ensure compliance with purchase contracts, company policies, and agreed-upon terms and conditions.
• Utilize advanced Excel skills to perform quote analysis, generate reports, and track backlog and order status.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support procurement and supply chain operations.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in supply chain, business, or a related field.
• Experience with purchase requisition and purchase order processing.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for reporting, analysis, and tracking.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Windows).
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with internal teams and suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze supplier quotations and negotiate pricing and delivery terms.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and system maintenance.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and high volumes of purchase orders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve supplier, delivery, and system-related issues.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Accounting, Logistics, EHS, and other departments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related discipline.
• Experience with SAP or a similar ERP system.
• Familiarity with international procurement and global supply chains (Japan–US experience is a plus).
• Experience coordinating with local and regional suppliers for services such as parts cleaning and analysis.
• Ability to work effectively in a structured, process-driven procurement environment.
• Interest in developing long-term buying and supply chain expertise.

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $24.45 - $24.45/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 San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 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® 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.