Buyer / Supply Chain / Procurement / Inventory

The Buyer works closely with the supply chain and contracts team to execute purchasing activities for the department. This role is responsible for processing requisitions from business units and efficiently converting them into accurate purchase orders. The Buyer may also set up inventory programs, identify and implement process improvement opportunities, and evaluate and adopt technology enhancements, including automation, to increase productivity in purchasing operations.

Work within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and other supply chain platforms to create, update, and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate and timely processing.

Develop and maintain an efficient and accurate system for monitoring all open purchase orders, ensuring visibility into status and next steps.

Prepare and deliver reports to management that summarize closed purchase orders, vendor spend, and other key purchasing and supply chain metrics.

Identify and determine automation opportunities related to the replenishment of routinely purchased items to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.

Implement and support best practices in purchasing, including building and maintaining solid supplier relationships, supporting investment recovery, promoting online requisitioning, and leveraging electronic data interchange (EDI), supplier-assisted inventory management, and e-commerce tools.

Promote and support organization-wide sourcing guidelines, policies, procedures, and practices to ensure consistency and compliance in purchasing activities.

Identify enhancements to information systems needed to achieve desired purchasing and supply chain performance, and collaborate with internal personnel to prioritize and implement these improvements.

Perform work under the direct supervision of a Manager or Senior Manager, following established policies while proactively contributing to continuous improvement in purchasing processes.

At least 4 years of related experience in purchasing or supply chain.

Knowledge of procurement processes and purchasing best practices.

Ability to manage multiple requests efficiently and effectively while remaining flexible in a dynamic environment.

Understanding of process design and work simplification programs related to supply chain operations.

Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, preferably version 9.2, and familiarity with e-Procurement tools.

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Purchasing, or Supply Chain is preferred.

Professional certifications such as Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are preferred.

Experience working with electronic data interchange (EDI), supplier-assisted inventory management, and e-commerce platforms.

Experience developing or improving monitoring systems for open purchase orders and vendor spend reporting.

Familiarity with punch-out and catalogue purchasing systems and their optimization.

Exposure to investment recovery practices and company-wide sourcing guidelines, policies, and procedures.

This role is based on site in Cedar Rapids, IA. The Buyer works in a professional office environment in close collaboration with the supply chain and contracts teams, using ERP systems (preferably version 9.2), e-Procurement tools, and other supply chain platforms on a daily basis. The position operates under the direct supervision of a Manager or Senior Manager and involves regular interaction with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The work setting supports the use of modern technological tools to streamline purchasing activities, reporting, and communication, and emphasizes a diverse and inclusive environment where collaboration and continuous improvement are encouraged.

This is a Contract position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

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)

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.