Buyer

Job Title: Buyer Job Description
The Buyer is responsible for coordinating and executing the procurement and purchasing of materials and products to support ongoing projects. This role ensures that all incoming orders are processed efficiently to meet project deadlines and budget requirements, while maintaining clear, proactive communication with internal requestors. The Buyer also supports shipping and receiving activities, builds strong supplier relationships, and continuously looks for opportunities to improve processes and reduce costs without compromising quality or timelines.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and execute the procurement of materials and products in alignment with project timelines and budget constraints.
- Manage purchase orders from request through delivery, ensuring accuracy and completeness of order details.
- Maintain proactive communication with internal requestors regarding order status, delivery schedules, changes, and any issues that may impact project timelines.
- Accurately track and record costs using appropriate cost codes and categories to support financial reporting and project management.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, reliable service, and responsive support.
- Conduct rate and pricing negotiations with vendors to secure favorable terms while meeting quality and delivery requirements.
- Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues related to delivery delays, product quality concerns, or invoicing discrepancies.
- Collaborate closely with the shipping and receiving team to ensure smooth logistics, timely deliveries, and efficient inventory flow.
- Assist with shipping and receiving tasks as needed, including coordination of incoming and outgoing materials.
- Support inventory management by helping identify overstocked items and developing cost-effective strategies to reduce excess inventory.
- Assist in organizing materials and inventory to improve accessibility, efficiency, and accuracy.
- Research and work with suppliers to identify new technologies, tools, and alternative materials that can improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Seek and implement cost-saving opportunities across purchasing, inventory, and logistics processes.
- Communicate effectively with all departments to understand needs, provide status updates, and ensure alignment on procurement priorities.
- Continuously seek and recommend process improvements that can be implemented within purchasing, logistics, and inventory management.
- Utilize procurement software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel to manage purchase orders, track inventory, and maintain accurate data.
- Support project management efforts by ensuring materials are available on time and within budget.
Essential Skills
- Proven experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations, preferably within a mechanical contracting or construction environment.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with a high level of attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information to internal stakeholders and external vendors.
- Strong negotiation abilities, including experience with rate negotiation and pricing discussions.
- Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel.
- Familiarity with cost tracking and coding systems used for financial reporting and project management.
- Ability to build and maintain effective vendor relationships and manage vendor performance.
- Experience with purchase order creation, processing, and follow-up.
- Understanding of supply chain principles, logistics, and inventory planning.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external vendors.
- Accuracy and efficiency in data entry related to purchasing, inventory, and vendor records.
- Experience in purchasing, buying, or buyer roles with responsibility for vendor management and pricing.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in mechanical contracting or construction industry is preferred.
- Knowledge of ERP systems, including SAGE 300, and other inventory management tools.
- Familiarity with SAP, MRP, and other ERP platforms used in purchasing and supply chain environments.
- Understanding of shipping and receiving procedures and related documentation.
- Background in logistics and vendor management, including managing multiple suppliers and deliveries.
- Experience with project management concepts as they relate to material procurement and scheduling.
- Ability to identify and implement process improvements in purchasing, inventory, and logistics.
- Comfort working with pricing analysis, cost-saving initiatives, and budgeting support.
- Strong analytical skills for reviewing inventory levels, supplier performance, and cost data.
- Experience with inventory planning and assisting in inventory organization efforts.
- General buying experience and purchasing experience within a fast-paced environment.
Work Environment
This role is based in an office setting with standard weekday hours, typically Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Buyer works closely with project teams, shipping and receiving staff, and suppliers, using procurement software, ERP systems such as SAGE 300, and Microsoft Excel to manage purchasing and inventory activities. The environment is collaborative and focused on meeting project deadlines, controlling costs, and maintaining efficient material flow. Dress code is casual professional, such as jeans paired with a neat, presentable top.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Ceres, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Ceres, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Ceres,CA.

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.