Purchasing Buyer

June 1, 2026

<h2>Position Summary</h2>The Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring materials and services to support the manufacturing of aerospace and defense components. This role ensures on-time delivery, cost competitiveness, and compliance with quality and regulatory requirements.The Buyer works cross-functionally with operations, engineering, and program management teams to meet production schedules, manage supplier performance, and resolve supply chain challenges. This position requires strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in ERP/MRP systems.<hr /><h2>Key Responsibilities</h2><ul><li>Procure a wide range of materials and services including hardware, raw materials, consumables, tooling, outsourced machining, surface treatments, MRO items, and other supply chain needs</li><li>Generate and manage Requests for Quotation (RFQs); analyze supplier proposals for cost, quality, and delivery</li><li>Negotiate pricing, lead times, and favorable terms to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency</li><li>Create, issue, and manage purchase orders (POs) and revisions within the ERP system</li><li>Ensure timely supplier acknowledgement and fulfillment of all purchase orders</li><li>Monitor supplier performance, including delivery, quality, and responsiveness; maintain accurate supplier records and certifications</li><li>Track and manage open orders, shortages, and past-due items; proactively communicate risks and escalate issues as needed</li><li>Partner with internal teams (operations, engineering, program management) to align procurement activities with production and customer schedules</li><li>Maintain accurate MRP/ERP data, including lead times, pricing, and planning parameters</li><li>Support long-term agreement (LTA) negotiations and monitor supplier compliance when applicable</li><li>Analyze purchase spend against customer quotes and escalate significant variances</li><li>Coordinate and host supplier visits and support supplier relationship management efforts</li><li>Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain efficiency and effectiveness</li></ul><hr /><h2>Required Qualifications</h2><ul><li>Minimum of 2+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment</li><li>Experience in aerospace or defense industry strongly preferred</li><li>Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (Infor Visual preferred)</li><li>Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis)</li><li>Strong understanding of procurement processes, supplier management, and negotiation techniques</li><li>Knowledge of ITAR, export controls, and CMMC requirements</li><li>Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills</li><li>Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency</li></ul><hr /><h2>Preferred Qualifications</h2><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field</li><li>Professional certification (APICS, ISM, or similar)</li><li>Experience in AS9100 and/or Nadcap environments</li></ul><hr /><h2>Core Competencies</h2><ul><li>Strategic sourcing and cost management</li><li>Supplier relationship management</li><li>Analytical thinking and decision-making</li><li>Negotiation and influencing skills</li><li>Attention to detail and data accuracy</li><li>Adaptability and proactive problem-solving</li><li>Strong business ethics and integrity</li></ul><hr /><h2>Work Environment & Additional Requirements</h2><ul><li>Regular on-site attendance required</li><li>Occasional travel to supplier or customer locations may be required</li><li>Ability to communicate professionally with internal teams and external partners</li></ul><hr /><h2>Top Skills</h2><ul><li>Procurement & Supplier Management</li><li>Inventory & Materials Planning</li><li>ERP/MRP Systems</li><li>Negotiation & Cost Analysis</li><li>Cross-functional Coordination</li></ul>Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/hr.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. 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)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 2026. <h4>About Aston Carter</h4> 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® double diamond 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 <a href="mailto:%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com">astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com</a> 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.

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