Buyer / Supply Chain / Procurement / Inventory

We're seeking an experienced Buyer who can successfully balance tactical purchasing responsibilities with strategic sourcing initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to manage approximately $20M in packaging spend, influence supplier strategy, lead cost-saving initiatives, and support critical manufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong procurement foundation, experience with MRP planning and ERP systems, and the ability to manage both day-to-day purchasing activities and long-term sourcing strategies.

Hours: Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm (some flexibility)

What You'll DoStrategic Procurement & Sourcing

Conduct supplier negotiations and contract discussions

Create and maintain supplier scorecards and performance metrics

Purchasing & Supply Chain Operations

Execute purchase orders and ensure uninterrupted material supply

Support MRP planning and inventory management activities

Monitor inventory levels and align purchasing decisions with business demand

Manage supplier communication regarding orders, delivery schedules, and performance

Generate and communicate daily outage and supply risk reports

Resolve supply chain disruptions and material shortages

Ensure successful implementation of new materials and packaging solutions

Minimum 5 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience

Experience managing both strategic sourcing initiatives and tactical purchasing activities

Strong understanding of MRP planning and inventory management

Experience working within ERP systems (SAP preferred)

Contract and price negotiation experience

Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency

Packaging procurement experience including corrugate, flexible packaging, labels, roll stock, or related categories

Supplier scorecard and supplier performance management experience

Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations

Proven success delivering cost reduction and process improvement initiatives

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field

Strong business and commercial acumen

Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills

Comfortable working cross-functionally with operations, manufacturing, quality, and product development teams

70% Tactical Procurement

Inventory planning

30% Strategic Procurement

This is a Permanent position based out of South Elgin, IL.

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.

comprehensive employee benefits, highlighted by zero-monthly-premium medical, dental, and vision insurance. Eligible team members also receive 401(k) plans with matching contributions, paid time off (PTO), holiday pay, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

Application Deadline

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. Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. 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 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.