Junior Buyer
The Entry Level Supply Chain Associate plays a crucial role in supporting supplier sourcing activities, managing purchase orders, and ensuring timely delivery of components and materials to support manufacturing operations. This role primarily focuses on identifying and qualifying suppliers, supporting RFQ/RFP processes, and contributing to cost competitiveness. Additionally, the specialist handles day-to-day procurement execution, including PO management and supplier coordination. This position offers an opportunity to develop sourcing skills in a dynamic OEM environment.
Responsibilities
- Create, issue, and manage purchase orders for production components, materials, and indirect goods in the ERP system.
- Monitor open orders, track deliveries, and expedite as needed to meet production schedules.
- Confirm lead times, pricing, and delivery commitments with suppliers; escalate discrepancies promptly.
- Resolve invoice discrepancies and support accounts payable as needed.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, item costs, and vendor data in the ERP system.
- Assist in preparing and issuing RFQs/RFPs; compile and summarize supplier quotes for review.
- Support identification and initial evaluation of alternate suppliers under the direction of team members.
- Assist with supplier onboarding documentation and qualification activities.
- Gather market pricing data to support cost benchmarking and savings initiatives.
- Serve as a day-to-day point of contact for supplier communication on open orders and delivery issues.
- Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Quality to support component releases, ECOs, and supply-related issues.
- Communicate supply risks or shortages to internal stakeholders proactively.
- Support value engineering and cost-down efforts by coordinating supplier input and data collection.
Essential Skills
- 3+ months of experience in purchasing or sourcing, including internships.
- Experience with vendor sourcing and ERP systems.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and macros.
- Strong negotiation skills.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- AA degree required, BA preferred.
- Experience with RFQs and multilevel BOMs is a plus.
- Experience with a high volume of SKUs and line items is beneficial.
- NPI experience and knowledge of customs/trade compliance are advantageous.
Work Environment
This position is 100% onsite at a manufacturing facility, with work hours starting between 6:30-7:00 am and a daily team meeting at 7:00 am. The facility employs over 200 staff, primarily hourly employees on the manufacturing floor and in the warehouse. The role involves splitting time between the office and the production floor. The team is undergoing a restructuring process, offering growth opportunities as the procurement function transitions in-house. Flexibility and adaptability are essential as team dynamics evolve.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Anaheim, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $26.50 - $35.00/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 Type
This is a fully onsite position in Anaheim, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.
About Aston Carter
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 Platinum Award 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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com 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.