Senior Buyer

Job Title:

Senior Buyer Job Description The Senior Buyer supports the development and execution of procurement strategies that align with organizational goals and objectives. This role manages strategic vendor relationships, develops and tracks vendor performance metrics, and supports contract negotiations, key initiatives, and risk mitigation efforts. The position oversees the purchasing of high-value resale materials across multiple warehouse and consignment locations and collaborates closely with both procurement and sales teams on vendor quoting activities. The Senior Buyer also supports the leadership team through participation in strategic planning sessions, trade shows, and special projects, working under the general supervision of the Procurement Supervisor and the Vice President of Operations. Responsibilities Lead and manage strategic vendor relationships to achieve quality, service, and cost objectives aligned with organizational goals. Continuously evaluate the vendor portfolio to identify growth opportunities, risks, and performance gaps, and propose appropriate actions. Coordinate and communicate vendor pricing updates, product changes, performance results, and related strategies across the organization to ensure alignment and clarity. Establish, monitor, and report monthly vendor performance metrics, using data analysis to evaluate operational results and trends. Support negotiations on pricing, service levels, and contract terms to drive cost savings and maximize overall value. Create and manage timely, accurate purchase orders for resale materials, ensuring compliance with internal processes and vendor requirements. Coordinate purchasing activity to maintain emergency stock levels while optimizing overall inventory levels. Collaborate with internal teams to provide accurate and timely information during the quotation process, including pricing, quality, lead times, technical information, documentation, and samples. Lead the preparation and compilation of materials for key leadership forums, including quarterly reporting and planning sessions. Support the leadership team by participating in sales meetings, trade shows, end-user events, and other strategic initiatives. Assist with emergency response efforts, including coordinating storm shipments, alternate products, and expedited delivery with vendors. Work additional hours as necessary to support urgent needs, such as weather-related emergencies. Effectively manage a high-volume workload, prioritize tasks under deadline pressure, and communicate progress and risks to stakeholders. Use CRM/ERP or ERM systems to support purchasing, inventory management, and vendor relationship activities. Support a collaborative culture by using feedback as a tool for continuous improvement and contributing positively to a team-oriented environment. Essential Skills Proven experience in purchasing, procurement, and buying, with responsibility for high-value or bulk resale materials. Strong background in vendor relations, including direct participation in contract negotiations and development of vendor relationship strategies. Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and present data to define and improve vendor performance, including metrics such as response time, lead time, and pricing. Proficiency with Excel for data analysis, reporting, and tracking vendor performance metrics. Hands-on experience working within CRM/ERP or ERM systems to manage purchasing, inventory, and vendor information. Experience in inventory management, including maintaining emergency stock levels and optimizing inventory across multiple locations. Ability to manage a high-volume workload and perform effectively under pressure and tight deadlines. Strong negotiation skills, particularly related to pricing, service levels, and contract terms. Experience supporting both purchasing and vendor relationship functions, balancing time and priorities between these areas. Capability to support leadership through strategic recommendations and clear business communications. Experience with buying in bulk and managing significant levels of spend, with accountability for cost and performance outcomes. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working with MRP systems and supply chain processes. Familiarity with warehouse-based operations, especially in environments handling electrical or industrial products. Ability to prepare and deliver strategic communications and presentations for leadership forums and planning sessions. Experience traveling to and supporting trade shows, sales meetings, and end-user events. Comfort working in a collaborative, feedback-driven culture and contributing as a strong team player. General understanding of supply chain, purchasing, and inventory best practices within an ERP-driven environment. Work Environment The role operates primarily in a warehouse setting within an electrical products environment, supporting multiple warehouse and consignment locations. The Senior Buyer works closely with procurement, sales, and leadership teams and regularly uses CRM/ERP or ERM systems, Excel, and other business tools to manage purchasing and vendor relationships. The position may require travel to trade shows, sales meetings, and end-user events. Occasional extended or additional hours may be necessary, particularly during weather-related or other emergency situations that require expedited shipments, alternate product sourcing, and rapid vendor coordination. The environment emphasizes collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and proactive communication across departments. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Louisville, KY. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $40.87 - $43.27/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
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Louisville,KY.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 30, 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® 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 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.