Entry level Buyer (1-5 years exp)
The Entry Level Buyer will manage day-to-day purchasing activities including issuing and tracking purchase orders, supplier follow-up, and resolving discrepancies to ensure uninterrupted production. This role involves monitoring supplier performance metrics, assisting with RFQ processes, and identifying cost reduction opportunities within a large manufacturing environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by a confidential manufacturing company (Automotive & Industrial Supply Chain).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Entry Level Buyer to join its Supply Chain / Purchasing team in Indianapolis, IN. This is a direct-hire, full‑time role focused on executing day‑to‑day purchasing activities, supporting RFQ processes, tracking purchase orders, and helping improve supplier performance to keep production running smoothly.
Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day purchasing tasks: issue and track purchase orders, confirm delivery dates, and follow up with vendors.
- Resolve pricing, delivery, or quality discrepancies to prevent production interruptions.
- Monitor supplier performance (KPIs) such as on-time delivery and quality rejection rates.
- Support Request for Quotation (RFQ) activities: distribute RFQs, collect and compare bids, and summarize findings for senior buyers.
- Identify and support cost-reduction and sourcing opportunities.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and assist with purchasing reports.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
- 1–5 years of relevant experience in purchasing, procurement, materials buying, purchase orders, supplier follow-up, RFQs, or similar. Candidates with internship/co‑op experience as an assistant buyer will be considered.
- Familiarity with RFQ processes, vendor negotiation basics, cost analysis, and sourcing.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data tracking, pricing comparisons, and reporting.
- Strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and ability to work cross-functionally with operations and suppliers.
Preferred / Nice-to-Have
- Exposure to ERP or MRP systems (coursework or hands-on).
- Prior experience in manufacturing, automotive supply chain, or industrial procurement.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze vendor performance metrics and support continuous improvement.
Location & Compensation
- Location: Indianapolis, IN — on-site / based in the greater Indianapolis area.
- Employment type: Full-time, direct-hire (not contract/temp).
- Estimated compensation: $85,245 per year (estimated). Actual pay may vary based on experience and qualifications.
What Careertakes Provides
Careertakes (third-party recruiting platform) will support the hiring process. Selected candidates will be employed by Confidential Client. Applicants may receive access to additional matched roles through Careertakes.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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