Buyer

Buyer

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Buyer to join our team in Janesville, WI. This role is responsible for sourcing and purchasing steel, metals, and other manufacturing materials while ensuring cost-effective procurement, quality standards, and timely delivery. The ideal candidate will have experience reading and interpreting blueprints, negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and supporting production demands in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, procure, and manage inventory levels of steel, metals, and related manufacturing materials.

• Review and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints to understand material specifications, dimensions, and purchasing requirements.

• Negotiate pricing, terms, contracts, and service agreements with suppliers to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency.

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new vendors while maintaining strong relationships with existing suppliers.

• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.

• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Production, Planning, and Operations teams to ensure material availability and project success.

• Analyze market conditions, pricing trends, and supply chain risks to develop effective sourcing strategies.

• Manage purchase orders from creation through delivery and resolve any discrepancies related to pricing, quality, or lead times.

• Support inventory management initiatives to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize excess inventory.

• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, contractual obligations, and supplier agreements.

• Develop and maintain vendor scorecards and performance metrics.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.

• 3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience purchasing steel, metals, fabricated components, or industrial materials.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications.

• Proven negotiation skills with experience managing supplier contracts and pricing agreements.

• Strong vendor management and relationship-building capabilities.

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Work Environment

The Buyer works in a professional office and production-support environment, collaborating closely with engineering, quality, production, and supplier partners to ensure consistent material availability and flow. The role relies heavily on standard office technologies and Microsoft applications for RFQ generation, purchase order administration, documentation, and reporting. Work is typically performed during regular business hours, with periods of higher activity aligned to program deadlines and supplier negotiations. The environment emphasizes safety, requiring adherence to all safety regulations and the maintenance of clean, orderly, and well-organized work areas. The culture promotes strong tenure, mentorship, and continuous learning, offering opportunities to grow within a supportive and collaborative team.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Janesville, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

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.

Company benefits will be shared upon initial conversation with Actalent and any related questions can be answered at this time. Thank you for expressing interest in working with Actalent. - 401(k) matching - Dental insurance - Health insurance - Health savings account - Life insurance - Paid time off - Vision insurance

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Janesville,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.