Buyer Planner

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Buyer Planner to join our Purchasing team. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring the materials, components, and services needed to support production and operational goals are available on time and at the best value. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, skilled negotiator, and analytical problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

If you enjoy building supplier relationships, managing purchasing activities, and contributing to supply chain success, we encourage you to apply.

As a Buyer Planner, you will:

• Source and purchase materials, components, equipment, and services to support production requirements.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and supplier agreements to maximize value and efficiency.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders while maintaining accurate records in ERP and purchasing systems.
• Monitor supplier performance, including quality, responsiveness, and on-time delivery.
• Partner with Engineering, Production, Quality, and other internal teams to align purchasing activities with business needs.
• Track and analyze purchasing metrics, supplier performance, inventory levels, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to support business growth and continuity.
• Support inventory management goals by helping maintain optimal stock levels and reducing shortages or excess inventory.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, quality standards, and applicable regulations.
• Assist with additional purchasing and supply chain initiatives as needed.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience working with ERP or purchasing systems such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, IFS, or similar platforms.
• Strong negotiation skills with a proven ability to secure favorable supplier terms and pricing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to analyze purchasing and inventory data to make informed buying decisions.
• High attention to detail, strong problem-solving capabilities, and a sense of urgency.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or other quality management standards is a plus.

• CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager) or CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) certification.
• Experience working with international suppliers and import/export processes.
• Knowledge of manufacturing materials, components, and industrial supplies.
• Experience using IFS or similar MRP systems.
• Exposure to ISO 9001 and related quality documentation practices.
• Demonstrated success building strong supplier and cross-functional relationships.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $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)

This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 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® 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.