Purchasing Agent

Job Title: Purchasing AgentJob DescriptionThe Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing goods and services to ensure the organization receives the best value and quality. This role manages supplier relationships, monitors inventory levels, and ensures all procurement activities comply with company policies and budgetary constraints. The position also focuses on cleaning up and maintaining accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) within a largely manual ERP environment, working closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to verify and document information correctly.

Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and select potential suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery time, and overall performance.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to secure favorable agreements and cost-effective deals.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders, tracking order status to ensure on-time delivery of goods and services.
• Review and clean up Bills of Materials (BOMs), verifying that all raw materials, components, parts, and quantities are accurate and fully documented in the manual system.
• Investigate discrepancies or issues in BOMs by collaborating with engineering and manufacturing departments to ensure correct documentation.
• Work comfortably within a manual ERP system, updating records and verifying information without relying on automated reports.
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages and overstock situations, adjusting purchasing decisions accordingly.
• Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, and other departments to understand purchasing needs, forecasts, and NPI (New Product Introduction) requirements.
• Manage stock replenishment processes and adjust order quantities based on consumption patterns and lead times.
• Establish and maintain strong, professional relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Address and resolve supplier-related issues, including delivery delays, quality concerns, and pricing discrepancies.
• Conduct periodic reviews of supplier performance and recommend improvements or alternative sources as needed.
• Adhere to budgetary guidelines and ensure all purchases remain within allocated budgets.
• Analyze spending patterns and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Prepare and present reports on purchasing activities, expenditures, inventory status, and supplier performance to management.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, contractual obligations, and relevant legal regulations.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of purchases, contracts, and supplier communications.
• Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and changes in procurement regulations that may impact sourcing strategies.
• Provide regular updates to management on procurement status, potential risks, and key issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering and manufacturing teams to support smooth production, accurate BOMs, and effective supply chain operations.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in procurement or purchasing, preferably in a similar industry.
• Experience working with Bills of Materials (BOMs), including documentation, investigation, and cleanup.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems, including comfort working in and updating a manual ERP system that does not generate automatic reports.
• Strong procurement and purchasing skills, including supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract terms management.
• Knowledge of inventory management and supply chain management principles and practices.
• High attention to detail and strong documentation skills to ensure accuracy in purchasing records and BOMs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly when working with engineering and manufacturing departments.
• Demonstrated ability to investigate issues, verify information, and resolve discrepancies in purchasing and BOM data.
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capability to interpret data and recommend cost-saving measures.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable pricing and terms with suppliers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience supporting NPI (New Product Introduction) processes from a procurement perspective.
• Familiarity with Netsuite or similar ERP systems is beneficial.
• Background in supply chain, inventory, and vendor management within a manufacturing or engineering-focused environment.
• Ability to build and maintain strong vendor relationships and conduct periodic performance reviews.
• Comfort working with both manual and system-based documentation processes.

Work EnvironmentThis role is based in an office setting with regular use of a computer and other standard office equipment. The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods and occasionally lift materials or supplies as needed. The standard schedule is five days per week onsite, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. The role may involve occasional site visits to suppliers or warehouses, as well as some travel depending on supplier locations. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with frequent interaction with engineering, manufacturing, and other internal departments to support accurate BOMs and reliable supply chain operations. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Beaverton, OR. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $34.00 - $36.00/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 to Hire position based out of Beaverton, OR. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Beaverton,OR.

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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.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.