Job Information
Aston Carter Buyer in Reston, Virginia
Job Title: Buyer / Planner (Mid-Level)
Job Description
As a key member of the Materials Management team, the Buyer / Planner (Mid-Level) supports end-to-end procurement and planning for a range of manufacturing components and non-production supplies. This role analyzes planning requirements, places and manages purchase and work orders, and helps develop proactive procurement strategies that support the overall supply chain. The Buyer / Planner builds and maintains strong supplier relationships to ensure on-time delivery, quality, and cost-effectiveness, while collaborating closely with internal departments to meet customer demand and production schedules.
Responsibilities
Assist in developing and executing a proactive procurement strategy for all manufacturing components and non-production supplies that supports the company’s overall supply chain objectives.
Prepare, review, edit, and issue accurate purchase orders and change notices using Material Requirements Planning (MRP), reorder points, and other inventory management strategies.
Manage purchasing for an assigned segment of components and non-production supplies in line with company policies and strategies, taking into account lead times, minimum/maximum quantities, the Master Production Schedule, and sales orders.
Expedite the procurement of parts and materials that are in short or critical supply to avoid production delays and support on-time delivery.
Maintain positive, professional working relationships with suppliers and communicate recurring supplier issues to Materials Management leadership and other internal stakeholders.
Monitor, track, and provide feedback on supplier and vendor performance in terms of overall cost, delivery reliability, and quality, and recommend improvements where needed.
Arrange for the disposal of surplus materials and support product discontinuation plans to minimize waste and optimize cost of goods sold.
Maintain accurate files and records of current and potential suppliers, materials, prices, delivery dates, and inventories as needed.
Work with colleagues in related materials and purchasing roles to resolve issues related to purchasing, delivery, receiving, and payment, identify the root cause of problems, and implement appropriate corrective actions.
Provide backup technical buying support to various internal departments, ensuring continuity of purchasing activities during peak demand or staff absences.
Document procurement processes and assist in creating and maintaining the Master Production Schedule (MPS), supporting MRP and item master data to ensure timely product delivery and accurate, current delivery dates.
Follow the Quality Assurance Manual and adhere to approved quality standards and procedures, maintaining required quality records for the area of responsibility.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment by following all procedures, rules, and regulations, and promptly resolving unsafe conditions.
Administer contracts and bid schedules, ensuring that all contractual requirements are met by both suppliers and the organization.
Ensure contracted prices and expiration dates are accurately reflected in quotation files and in the system.
Troubleshoot issues related to equipment, transactions, and processes, and determine solutions using structured problem-solving methods, including root cause analysis, preventive actions, and process mapping.
Communicate effectively within and outside the department to foster strong interdepartmental collaboration and information flow.
Cross-train in various Materials Management positions to provide backup coverage for peak workloads, vacations, or absences.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall effectiveness of the Materials Management and Supply Chain functions.
Essential Skills
3 to 5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or buying, ideally with full cycle buying and planning responsibilities.
Experience purchasing electronic components, optical components, and metal parts in a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Materials Resource Planning systems.
Strong experience in purchasing, procurement, and purchase order management within a supply chain or materials management function.
Ability to manage inventory using strategies such as reorder points, lead-time analysis, and min/max quantities.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including IF statements, pivot tables, and VLOOKUP.
Proficient computer skills with Windows-based applications, including Outlook, Internet Explorer, Word, and Excel.
Proficient customer experience skills, with a commitment to meeting on-time delivery and quality expectations.
Proficient systems analysis skills, with the ability to understand how changes in conditions, operations, and environment affect outcomes.
Expert organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple orders and many moving pieces simultaneously.
Proficient complex problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
Proficient negotiation skills to explore alternatives, align interests, and reach mutually beneficial agreements with suppliers.
Knowledge of transportation principles and methods for moving goods by air, rail, or road, including understanding relative costs and benefits.
Ability to review financial information related to purchasing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable standards, rules, and internal controls.
Strong business acumen, with awareness of current and future trends, policies, practices, and innovations that affect the role and support company goals.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience in manufacturing purchasing is highly desirable and distinguishes top candidates.
Demonstrated experience performing full cycle buying and planning, from requirements analysis through supplier management and delivery follow-up.
Familiarity with product knowledge concepts, including understanding the application, function, features, use, and support requirements of manufactured goods.
Ability to support and align with broader company strategies and objectives related to supply chain, quality, and cost management.
Comfort working cross-functionally with engineering, production, finance, and other departments to resolve issues and support operational goals.
Work Environment
This role operates primarily in an office-based environment within a manufacturing organization. Standard hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on-site. After approximately four weeks, and based on performance, there may be an opportunity to transition to a hybrid work schedule that combines in-office and remote work, although this is not guaranteed. The position relies heavily on computer-based systems, including MRP software and Windows applications such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and web browsers. The work involves frequent interaction with internal teams and external suppliers, coordination of multiple tasks and deadlines, and adherence to established safety, quality, and operational procedures to maintain a safe and orderly workplace.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reston, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $36.05 - $40.86/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 Reston,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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® 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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.