Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Buyer to join our team in Atwater, California on a Contract basis. This role supports day-to-day procurement operations for manufacturing by ensuring materials and supplies are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with production needs. The ideal candidate brings strong supplier management skills, sound purchasing judgment, and the ability to work closely with internal stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate procurement of production, maintenance, and operational materials to support uninterrupted manufacturing activity.

• Prepare and release purchase orders, track supplier acknowledgements, and follow through on deliveries to help meet schedule requirements.

• Develop productive vendor partnerships that strengthen service levels, product quality, pricing, and on-time performance.

• Research and qualify new suppliers by assessing competitiveness, compliance, and alignment with business needs.

• Lead negotiations on cost, commercial terms, and service expectations to secure favorable purchasing agreements.

• Review inventory demand and buying patterns to reduce the risk of shortages, delays, or excess stock.

• Contribute to cost-saving initiatives by supporting quote comparisons, bid events, and sourcing projects.

• Work with Quality and cross-functional teams to complete supplier approvals, audits, and required documentation.

• Manage the full purchasing lifecycle, including order entry, confirmation, receipt coordination, and resolution of supplier or invoice discrepancies.

• Maintain accurate procurement records and item data in business systems while ensuring purchasing practices follow internal policies and compliance requirements.

For immediate consideration, contact Robert Half at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com

• 2-3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience buying raw materials, ingredients, packaging, or other operational supplies used in production settings.

• Background in food, beverage, agriculture, consumer goods, or another regulated manufacturing industry is preferred.

• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy, organization, and close attention to detail.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and interact professionally with vendors.

• Working knowledge of ERP or procurement systems, with experience in Microsoft Dynamics NAV considered a plus.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.