Buyer III (North Reading, MA)

The Buyer III / Technical Sourcing Manager leads end-to-end procurement for capital equipment, spare parts, and services in a complex, technical environment. This role serves as a subject matter expert for high-value equipment, automation systems, tooling, and related categories, owning the full sourcing lifecycle from supplier identification and RFQ execution through contract award and delivery. The position focuses on strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and cost optimization while partnering closely with cross-functional teams to ensure material readiness, support new product introduction, and align procurement activities with site milestones and business objectives.

• Lead the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for capital equipment, spare parts, and services, including supplier identification, RFQ execution, bid evaluation, contract award, and delivery coordination.
• Act as a subject matter expert for sourcing high-value equipment, automation systems, tooling, and related technical categories, providing guidance on specifications, suppliers, and sourcing strategies.
• Develop and implement sourcing frameworks, standard operating procedures, and scalable operating mechanisms that support the growth of the organization.
• Support and mentor sourcing managers and buyers by providing technical guidance, best practices, and coaching on strategic sourcing, negotiations, and supplier management.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve supplier performance programs, including scorecards, service level agreements (SLAs), and regular business reviews.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks through dual-sourcing strategies, should-cost models, contingency planning, and proactive supplier management.
• Own and manage budgets for assigned categories, including cost controls, variance tracking, and change management governance.
• Support material planning, inventory strategy, and spare parts availability to ensure material readiness and alignment with operational needs.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives with measurable results, leveraging data analysis, supplier negotiations, and strategic sourcing techniques.
• Align equipment and parts procurement timelines with site milestones, project schedules, and production requirements in close partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Serve as a procurement subject matter expert in cross-functional planning forums, providing insights on sourcing strategy, supplier capabilities, and market conditions.
• Influence leadership on strategic direction and investment decisions related to the supply chain, capital equipment, and sourcing priorities.
• Manage CAPEX, MRO, and NPI procurement programs and vendor portfolios for complex technical environments.
• Lead contract negotiations with OEMs, equipment manufacturers, and construction contractors for agreements of significant value, ensuring favorable terms and risk mitigation.
• Develop and refine sourcing strategies, procurement frameworks, and contract management approaches to improve efficiency and value.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel skills to manage data, track performance, and support reporting and analysis.
• Collaborate with technical product development teams to support NPI sourcing activities and ensure timely and cost-effective introduction of new products.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain management, strategic sourcing, or procurement in an industrial automation or similar technical environment.
• Proven experience managing CAPEX, MRO, and NPI procurement programs and vendor portfolios for complex environments involving equipment, automation, and tooling.
• Demonstrated success leading contract negotiations with OEMs, equipment manufacturers, or construction contractors for high-value agreements.
• Experience developing sourcing strategies, procurement frameworks, and standard operating procedures.
• Technical background or demonstrated experience in automation or new product introduction.
• Strong expertise in strategic sourcing, negotiations, and supplier management.
• Experience in manufacturing and supply chain industries, with a solid understanding of production and operations requirements.
• Hands-on NPI (New Product Introduction) sourcing experience in a technical product development environment.
• Expert-level skills in Microsoft Excel and project management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools for documentation, analysis, and communication.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Proven ability to manage budgets with demonstrated cost optimization results.
• Strong skills in procurement, purchasing, supplier negotiation, contract negotiation, and overall negotiation strategies.
• Experience with RFP/RFQ processes and supplier management, including performance tracking and relationship management.
• Knowledge of contract and contract management principles, including risk management and compliance.
• Experience in buyer purchasing, category management, commodity management, and pricing analysis.

• MBA or Master's degree in supply chain management, operations, engineering, analytics, or a related field.
• Experience in automation, semiconductors, high-tech, or similar advanced industries.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent platforms.
• Six Sigma, Lean, or other continuous improvement certifications.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in a technical product development or NPI environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to build and interpret should-cost models and cost analyses.
• Ability to develop and manage supplier scorecards, SLAs, and performance improvement plans.
• Demonstrated capability to influence stakeholders and leadership on supply chain strategy and investment decisions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for partnering with engineering, operations, finance, and other functional teams.
• Proven ability to create and implement contingency plans to address supply chain risks and disruptions.

The role operates in a dynamic, technically driven environment where you serve as a subject matter expert for capital equipment, spare parts, and services sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier management. You will work closely with partner teams across the organization, including engineering, operations, and product development, to ensure material readiness and alignment with project and site milestones. The position involves regular use of ERP/MRP systems, advanced Excel, and other Microsoft Office tools to manage data, budgets, and supplier performance. Work is performed during standard Monday through Friday business hours, providing a structured schedule while supporting complex procurement activities and cross-functional collaboration in an industrial automation and high-tech setting.

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

The pay range for this position is $58.00 - $60.00/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 North Reading,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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 [email protected] 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.