Buyer

Job Title: Purchasing Specialist ManufacturingJob DescriptionThe Purchasing Specialist supports purchasing activities for a manufacturing facility, with responsibility for procuring raw materials, components, equipment, and services required to sustain production. This role works closely with suppliers and internal Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Materials teams to ensure materials are available on time, at competitive cost, and meet all quality and delivery requirements. The position offers broad visibility across operations and the opportunity to improve processes, strengthen supplier relationships, and drive cost savings.Responsibilities

• Purchase raw materials, components, equipment, and services needed to support manufacturing operations.
• Manage supplier relationships and monitor performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and lead times.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, warranties, and other purchasing terms and conditions.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers as needed to support production and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Create, manage, and maintain purchase orders and track orders through delivery to ensure on-time arrival of materials.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Materials teams to anticipate and plan upcoming material requirements.
• Address supplier issues, including late deliveries, quality concerns, shortages, and other supply disruptions, and drive resolution.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through supplier negotiations, sourcing initiatives, and purchasing process improvements.
• Support RFQ/RFP activities, including preparing requests, gathering supplier quotations, and performing supplier comparisons.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage purchasing activities, material requirements, and production-related inventory needs.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier records, including pricing, terms, performance metrics, and historical data.
• Support strategic sourcing and supplier selection efforts to optimize supply base and reduce risk.
• Contribute to supplier performance management, including monitoring KPIs and supporting corrective actions when needed.
• Partner with Quality and Production teams to support supplier corrective actions and resolve quality or delivery issues.
• Participate in cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives related to materials, suppliers, and purchasing processes.
• Assist with production planning and scheduling considerations by aligning material availability with manufacturing requirements.

Essential Skills

• Several years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or buyer experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience purchasing raw materials, components, or other production-related materials.
• Strong supplier and vendor management experience, including performance monitoring and relationship building.
• Proven negotiation experience covering pricing, lead times, delivery terms, payment terms, warranties, and other supplier agreements.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems such as Epicor, SAP, Oracle, Infor, or similar platforms.
• Understanding of manufacturing supply chain, inventory management, and material requirements planning.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed purchasing decisions.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for analysis, reporting, and supplier comparisons.
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers, purchase orders, and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Materials teams.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing principles and supplier selection methodologies.
• Experience with cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or supply chain context.
• Understanding of MRP, inventory, and material planning processes.
• Experience with RFQ/RFP processes and vendor comparisons.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Purchasing, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Epicor ERP experience is highly desirable.
• Strategic sourcing experience, including supplier identification, evaluation, and selection.
• Experience supporting supplier performance management and tracking supplier KPIs.
• Experience in cost reduction and cost-saving initiatives through sourcing and negotiation.
• Experience supporting supplier corrective actions and resolving quality or delivery issues.
• Familiarity with production planning and scheduling concepts and their impact on material requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to addressing supply chain challenges.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment and build strong internal and external relationships.

Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a fast-paced, collaborative manufacturing environment and interacts regularly with Production, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Materials teams. The position splits time between an office setting focused on purchasing and supplier-related activities and the manufacturing floor to support operational needs. The environment is best suited for someone who is organized, proactive, comfortable managing multiple priorities, and able to adapt quickly as production and material requirements change. You will work with modern ERP/MRP systems and standard office productivity tools, particularly Excel, while engaging closely with operations to ensure materials and components are available to meet production schedules. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Madison, AL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Madison, AL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Madison,AL.About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.