Purchasing/Buyer Assistant

Job Title: Purchasing/Buyer Assistant

Job Description

The Purchasing/Buyer Assistant supports the purchasing function by acquiring materials, equipment, and supplies needed to keep production schedules running efficiently and on time. This role collaborates closely with Production and Engineering teams, evaluates and negotiates supplier quotations, and helps manage supplier relationships to ensure high-quality, cost-effective, and timely delivery of products and services. The position also assists with preparing and reviewing contracts, bids, proposals, and supplier agreements, and is responsible for issuing and reviewing purchase orders in accordance with company policies and standards.

Responsibilities

• Purchase materials, equipment, and supplies to ensure production schedules are met efficiently and on time.
• Work closely with Production and Engineering departments to expedite materials as needed to meet their requirements.
• Evaluate supplier quotations using appropriate negotiation and purchasing techniques to ensure optimal quality, price, delivery, and service.
• Research, select, and maintain suppliers that provide high-quality products and services at competitive prices while adhering to ethical standards for cost-effective operation.
• Assist with preparing and reviewing contracts, bids, proposals, and supplier agreements to confirm legal correctness, pricing accuracy, and acceptable item specifications.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders and review requisitions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Review purchase order claims and contracts to confirm conformance with company policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders by phone and email to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and follow up on orders.
• Maintain organized records of purchasing activities, supplier information, and contract documentation using Microsoft Office tools.

Essential Skills

• 1 to 2 years of purchasing experience, including administrative support in a purchasing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for tracking, analyzing, and reporting purchasing data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for documentation, communication, and record keeping.
• Strong phone communication skills to interact effectively with suppliers and internal departments.
• Ability to apply basic negotiation and purchasing techniques when evaluating supplier quotations.
• Attention to detail when preparing and reviewing purchase orders, contracts, bids, proposals, and supplier agreements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Production and Engineering departments to meet material and scheduling requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience reviewing contracts and purchase order claims for compliance with company policies.
• Familiarity with ethical purchasing practices and cost-effective supplier selection.
• Ability to prioritize and expedite materials to meet changing production needs.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate purchasing and supplier records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.

Work Environment

This role follows a 9/80 work schedule, typically working from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on alternating Fridays. The position operates in a professional office and production-support environment, using Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications as primary tools for documentation, communication, and data management. The work involves frequent interaction with Production and Engineering teams, as well as regular phone and email communication with suppliers to coordinate orders and deliveries.

This is a Contract position based out of Ashburn, VA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 Ashburn,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2026.

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 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.