Associate Buyer
hace 1 día
San Diego
Job DescriptionJob Title: Associate Buyer Job Description The Associate Buyer reviews and analyzes purchase requisitions and coordinates closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to acquire inventory in a cost-effective and timely manner. This role processes purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and requests for quotes, while maintaining accurate procurement system data and supplier records. The Associate Buyer helps develop new supply sources, negotiates pricing and delivery with domestic and offshore suppliers, and supports a structured, process-driven procurement function. This is an onsite role based in San Diego, offering exposure to international procurement operations and an excellent foundation for a long-term career in supply chain and purchasing. Responsibilities • Review and analyze purchase requisitions to ensure completeness, accuracy, and alignment with business needs., • Coordinate purchasing activities with production, quality, and engineering departments to support timely and cost-effective inventory acquisition., • Process purchase requisitions, issue and manage purchase orders from receipt of request through delivery confirmation., • Prepare and manage requests for quotes (RFQs) to suppliers and secure competitive quotations., • Perform procurement business system data input, ensuring accuracy and integrity of all purchasing-related information., • Maintain and update procurement system data, including part parameters, quote tables, supplier database information, and part number/supplier code records., • Monitor and analyze error reports and resolve data discrepancies in procurement and supplier records., • Communicate regularly with internal customers and related functions such as Accounting, Logistics, and EHS to support smooth end-to-end purchasing processes., • Secure and analyze supplier quotations, negotiating prices, terms, and delivery schedules with domestic and offshore suppliers., • Research and develop new supply sources when existing vendors are no longer competitive or when additional capacity is needed., • Coordinate with local suppliers, including Bay Area partners, on parts cleaning, analysis, and on-time delivery., • Deliver back-order reports and other purchasing-related status updates to management as requested., • Monitor supplier inventory levels where applicable and support supplier inventory control to minimize shortages and delays., • Ensure compliance with purchase contracts, company policies, and agreed-upon terms and conditions., • Use advanced Excel capabilities to generate reports, conduct quote analysis, and track backlog and order status., • Track and follow up on open orders to ensure timely delivery of products and resolve delivery or quality issues in collaboration with internal teams and suppliers., • Support continuous improvement of procurement processes by identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings., • Perform any other related duties as required or assigned to support the procurement and supply chain function.Essential Skills, • Excellent written and oral communication skills to interact effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers., • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work-related experience in a relevant field such as supply chain, business, or a related discipline., • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Windows, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint., • Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for reporting, data analysis, and backlog tracking., • Experience with purchase order processing and purchase requisition administration., • Strong supplier management skills, including the ability to analyze quotations and negotiate pricing and delivery terms., • Accurate and efficient data entry skills for procurement business system input and maintenance., • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage a high volume of purchase orders and tasks simultaneously., • Strong problem-solving skills to resolve issues related to suppliers, deliveries, and system data., • Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in orders, contracts, and system records., • Ability to communicate and collaborate cross-functionally with Accounting, Logistics, EHS, and other departments., • Ability to maintain procurement system data integrity and manage part and supplier records reliably.Additional Skills & Qualifications, • Bachelor’s degree preferred, with consideration for equivalent working experience in lieu of a degree., • Background or coursework in supply chain management, purchasing, or buyer-related roles is advantageous., • Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems for business system data input and order tracking is preferred., • Familiarity with international procurement operations, including Japan–US supply chain flows, is a plus., • Experience coordinating with local and regional suppliers for parts cleaning, analysis, and on-time delivery., • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a structured, process-driven procurement environment., • Interest in building foundational buying and supply chain skills within a collaborative team setting., • Ability to thrive in a steady, transactional workflow that emphasizes consistency, accuracy, and process adherence.Work Environment This position is fully onsite in San Diego and is part of a small, collaborative procurement team. The work environment is stable, process-driven, and low-pressure, with a transactional and detail-oriented workflow. The role offers exposure to international supply chain operations and a well-defined set of procedures, making it an excellent fit for individuals who prefer structure, consistency, and clear processes over ambiguity. Work is primarily performed in an office setting using standard business technologies, including Microsoft Office, SAP or similar ERP systems, and other procurement tools. The culture emphasizes long-term tenure, teamwork, and steady performance rather than a high-stress atmosphere. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $24.45 - $24.45/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 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 for other accommodation options.