Purchasing Agent / Buyer

Title: Purchasing Agent / Buyer
Location: Elgin, IL
Hire Type: Contract-to-Hire
Compensation: $33.50 - $39.00
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Must have Skill Set:

• Must have 5+ years of purchasing/buying experience within a manufacturing organization.
• Must have proven experience purchasing materials, components, tooling, and services for a manufacturing operation.
• Must be able to read, interpret, and understand mechanical engineering drawings.
• Must have hands-on experience using an ERP system for purchasing and/or inventory management.
• Must have proven experience negotiating pricing, terms, quality, and delivery with suppliers.
• Must have strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, and other internal departments.

Overview:

Job Duties: 

• Purchase materials, components, tooling, supplies, and services required for manufacturing operations.
• Review purchase requisitions and ensure accuracy and compliance with purchasing procedures.
• Read and understand mechanical engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Obtain and evaluate competitive vendor quotations.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, quality requirements, and delivery schedules.
• Create and manage purchase orders within an ERP system.
• Monitor open purchase orders and proactively expedite past-due or at-risk materials.
• Maintain accurate delivery dates and purchasing information in the ERP system.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing, quality, reliability, and delivery.
• Track and evaluate supplier performance.
• Coordinate the return of defective or incorrect materials.
• Maintain accurate vendor and purchasing records.
• Update material costs and pricing in the ERP system.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Customer Service, and other departments to resolve purchasing and material issues.

Qualifications: 

• 5+ years of proven purchasing/buying experience in a manufacturing organization.
• Must have direct manufacturing purchasing experience.
• Must be able to read, interpret, and understand mechanical engineering drawings.
• Must have hands-on ERP system experience.
• Must have proven experience negotiating with suppliers on price, terms, quality, and delivery.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, and other departments.
• Self-motivated, persistent, adaptable, and results-oriented.

• Experience purchasing in a high-dollar, low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience purchasing engineered or custom-manufactured components.
• PExperience managing and evaluating supplier performance.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.