Purchasing Agent

Job Title: Purchasing Agent Job Description This role supports a fast-growing automation and robotics manufacturer that designs, builds, and installs complete automated manufacturing systems. The Purchasing Agent manages the procurement of materials, components, and services needed to build custom automation solutions, including collaborative robotic systems used in manufacturing, packaging, food and beverage, and industrial production environments. The person in this role ensures a reliable, cost-effective supply chain by overseeing supplier relationships, negotiating pricing and agreements, and optimizing inventory and material planning within an ERP/MRP environment. Responsibilities

- Manage the end-to-end purchasing process for materials, components, and services required to support automated manufacturing system production.
- Issue, track, and manage purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of goods and services in alignment with project schedules and production needs.
- Oversee inventory control and material planning to maintain appropriate stock levels while minimizing excess inventory and avoiding shortages.
- Conduct RFQ (Request for Quote) sourcing activities, including identifying potential suppliers, obtaining quotes, and performing cost and value analyses.
- Select suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery performance, and alignment with project and organizational requirements.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and supplier agreements to achieve cost reductions and favorable commercial conditions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, fostering collaboration, reliability, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor supplier performance and address issues related to quality, delivery, and service to ensure consistent supply and support.
- Utilize ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar platforms to manage purchasing, material planning, and supply chain data.
- Coordinate closely with internal teams such as engineering, operations, and production to align purchasing activities with project requirements and timelines.
- Use Microsoft Excel and other tools to analyze purchasing data, track spend, identify cost-saving opportunities, and support decision-making.
- Support global sourcing and import activities as needed, ensuring compliance with relevant processes and documentation.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing and supply chain function, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction, and process optimization.

Essential Skills

- 3–7+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience.
- Manufacturing purchasing experience, preferably in an automated or industrial manufacturing environment.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment, strongly preferred.
- Supplier management and vendor negotiation experience, including pricing and supplier agreement negotiations.
- ERP/MRP system experience with platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar systems.
- Experience with purchase order management, inventory control, and material planning.
- RFQ sourcing, supplier selection, and cost reduction experience.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and support project timelines in a dynamic production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.
- Experience in industrial manufacturing environments.
- Experience working with heavy equipment or construction equipment purchasing.
- Experience purchasing mechanical components, such as fabricated parts, assemblies, or hardware.
- Experience purchasing electrical components, such as wiring, controls, or electrical assemblies.
- MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) purchasing experience.
- Global sourcing and import experience, including working with international suppliers.
- Strong analytical mindset with a focus on cost reduction and process improvement.
- Comfort working in a technology-driven environment that integrates robotics, automation, and custom systems.

Work Environment This is an on-site role, Monday through Friday, within a manufacturing and automation-focused environment. The workplace centers around the design, build, and installation of automated systems and collaborative robotic solutions for a variety of industries, including manufacturing, packaging, food and beverage, and industrial production. The Purchasing Agent works closely with engineering, production, and operations teams, frequently interacting with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Epicor and using Microsoft Excel for analysis and reporting. The environment is fast-paced and project-driven, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, reliability, and continuous improvement in support of advanced automation solutions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Exton, PA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $34.00/hr. 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. 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 Exton,PA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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 [email protected] 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.