• Purchasing Manager

    Aston Carter (Grand Rapids, MI)


    Job Title: Lead Buyer/Purchasing Manager

    Job Description

    We are seeking an experienced Buyer/Purchasing Manager to lead day-to-day procurement operations within a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role involves managing a small team and collaborating closely with suppliers to source aerospace-grade materials and services. The successful candidate will negotiate pricing and contracts, ensure compliance with industry certifications, and maintain inventory levels aligned with production needs.

    Responsibilities

    + Lead and manage a team of 2 to 3 buyers in daily procurement operations.

    + Work closely with suppliers to source aerospace-grade materials and services.

    + Negotiate pricing and contracts to achieve favorable terms.

    + Ensure compliance with industry certifications and standards.

    + Coordinate with engineering, quality, and scheduling teams to ensure timely arrival of materials meeting specifications.

    + Maintain inventory levels to align with production needs.

    + Utilize strong ERP/MRP system skills for efficient procurement processes.

    + Manage vendor relationships with a practical approach.

    Essential Skills

    + 3-5 years of purchasing management experience.

    + Experience in purchasing within a manufacturing environment.

    + Experience in metals purchasing.

    + Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business.

    + Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems.

     

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

     

    + Experience with Aerospace Purchasing.

    + Familiarity with Infor Visual ERP.

    + Strong interpersonal skills for effective team management.

    Work Environment

    This role is office-based and requires onsite presence. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to train for 4-6 months with the current purchasing manager who is concluding their career. They will take over management responsibilities for two other buyers, playing a key role in the successful operations of an important aerospace supplier to both commercial and defense OEMs.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $52.00/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 Grand Rapids,MI.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2025.

    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 [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.