Sr Buyer

Senior Purchasing PlannerThis position is responsible for qualifying, planning, and purchasing materials for production. The individual will engage heavily with vendors for product purchasing and problem resolution, managing the replenishment cycle, and analyzing its performance.Responsibilities:Place and track purchase orders for inventory and non-inventory parts.Achieve monthly and annual inventory targets.Create orders consistent with requirements and provide visibility to exceptions.Manage day-to-day purchasing operations.Negotiate the release of all purchase orders in accordance with policies and procedures.Maintain appropriate inventory levels to meet production requirements.Review inventory levels and issue or modify orders for stock replenishment applying best practices for inventory reduction and optimization.Coordinate with cross-functional teams on material requirements.Process non-confirming material back to suppliers.Follow up on critical shipments to ensure timely arrival at the dock.Support supplier transition initiatives ensuring no disruption to supply of parts during transition.Support new product roll-out by assisting in establishing the supply chain for the new product.Maintain confidential client information.Participate in continuous improvement processes and Kaizen events.Adapt to a fast-paced environment and quickly respond to changes.Perform other duties as assigned.Essential Skills:BS or BA Degree in Engineering or Business.5+ years' experience in purchasing with OEM or related field.Experienced with commercial ERP software used in manufacturing operations.Proficient in computer skills, including MS Office and data analytical tools.Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and operations.Ability to interpret and understand multi-level bills of material.Detail-oriented with good communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.Conversant in the legal aspects of purchasing including contracts and regulatory compliance.Knowledge of Lean manufacturing.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Education equivalent to 2 years of college or comparable work experience in a business-related field.ERP experience, specifically with JD Edwards, is a plus.High volume manufacturing experience preferred.Experience with BOMs (Bills of Material).Job Type & Location: This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hanover Park, IL.Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $40.86/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 & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace Type: This is a fully onsite position in Hanover Park, IL.Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Dec 4, 2025.About Actalent: Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.