Buyer - Manufacturing and Supply Chain Purchasing

This Buyer role focuses on sourcing and procuring components and materials that support a government-regulated manufacturing environment. The position oversees the full purchasing lifecycle, from issuing Requests for Quotes and negotiating with suppliers to administering purchase orders and ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS and Department of Defense requirements. The Buyer collaborates closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to maintain material availability, manage supplier performance, and support on-time, cost-effective program execution.

Generate Requests for Quotes (RFQs) to source materials and components, and monitor and negotiate with suppliers during the bid process to secure the best combination of pricing, quality, and lead time.

Administer subcontracts and purchase orders to control costs, track performance, and ensure on-time delivery in support of program schedules and production needs.

Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers, clearly communicating all applicable program, company, engineering, quality, and technical specifications and holding suppliers accountable for program performance.

Develop and implement action plans to improve supplier performance, mitigate supplier risks, and support long-term supplier relationships.

Coordinate with suppliers to manage returns and replenishment of discrepant materials, minimizing impact on production schedules and material flow.

Assist in planning and executing internal and external supplier audits to verify compliance with contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements.

Interface regularly with Suppliers, Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to maintain material availability, ensure accurate requirements flow-down, and support continuous production.

Perform other related purchasing and supply chain duties as assigned to support overall business and program objectives.

5–10 years of comparable purchasing experience in a manufacturing or similar environment.

• Previous purchasing experience in a Government Contracting environment, including familiarity with FAR clauses and government-regulated manufacturing requirements.
• Experience purchasing components and managing component-level supply chains.
• Ability to understand Bills of Materials (BOMs) and how they relate to materials and components in production.
• Demonstrated vendor management experience, including performance monitoring and relationship development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and related tools used for purchasing and reporting.

Experience working with FAR and DFARS requirements in a purchasing or subcontracting capacity.

Background in buyer or purchasing roles within government-regulated or defense-related manufacturing environments.

Experience coordinating closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to support material planning and availability.

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement action plans to improve supplier performance and mitigate risk.

The Buyer works in a structured, government-regulated manufacturing environment that emphasizes compliance, accuracy, and collaboration. The role involves frequent interaction with Engineering, Quality, Production, and supplier partners to ensure a steady flow of components and materials to support ongoing programs. Work is primarily performed in an office setting within a manufacturing facility, using Microsoft applications and standard purchasing tools to manage RFQs, purchase orders, and supplier communications. This is a Permanent position based out of Janesville, WI.

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.

401(k) matching • Dental insurance • Health insurance • Health savings account • Life insurance • Paid time off • Vision insurance

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.