Entry level Buyer (1-5 years exp) (Plainfield)
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. The role involves managing 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 our client, Manufacturing (Automotive).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client, a large manufacturing organization in the Greater Indianapolis area, is hiring an Entry Level Buyer to support its Supply Chain and Purchasing teams. This is a direct-hire, full-time role based in Plainfield, IN. You will perform hands-on purchasing and supplier coordination to keep production running smoothly.
- Manage day-to-day purchasing tasks including issuing, tracking, and closing purchase orders.
- Follow up with suppliers to confirm delivery dates and resolve pricing, delivery, or quality discrepancies.
- Monitor supplier performance metrics (on-time delivery, quality rejection rates, late shipments) and report KPIs.
- Support Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes: distribute RFQs, collect and analyze bids, compare pricing, and summarize findings for senior buyers.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction and assist with basic vendor negotiations and sourcing activities.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and use Excel (and ERP where available) to track orders, pricing, and inventory impacts.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred.
- 1–5 years of relevant experience in purchasing, procurement, materials buying, or supply chain. Candidates with internship, co-op, or assistant-buyer experience will be considered.
- Familiarity with RFQ processes, purchase orders, supplier follow-up, and basic cost/pricing analysis.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data tracking, pricing comparison, and reporting.
- Exposure to ERP or MRP systems is a plus (coursework or hands-on experience).
- Strong communication and vendor relationship skills, attention to detail, and a bias for follow-through.
- Ability to work on-site in Plainfield, IN and collaborate with cross-functional production and planning teams.
Compensation & Location
- Location: Plainfield, IN (on-site)
- Employment type: Full-time, direct hire
- Estimated compensation: $57,985 per year (estimated figure sourced from the original posting)
Why Join
- Gain solid, hands-on purchasing experience within a large manufacturing supply chain.
- Work closely with experienced buyers and cross-functional teams — strong opportunity for professional growth.
- Build core procurement skills: RFQs, PO management, supplier performance, and cost analysis.
Relevant Keywords / Skills
- Purchasing, Procurement, Purchase Orders, RFQ, Supplier Management, Vendor Management, Cost Reduction, Pricing Analysis, ERP/MRP, Microsoft Excel, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Purchasing
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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