Buyer​/Purchasing Specialist

LHH is actively seeking a Buyer for one of our top clients in Atlanta! This will be a contract to hire opportunity with our client and will report onsite to our Client’s office in Atlanta.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Buyer / Purchasing Specialist to support the procurement of materials, equipment, tools, parts, and services needed to meet production and operational requirements. This position is responsible for issuing and managing purchase orders, coordinating supplier deliveries, monitoring supplier performance, and ensuring materials are purchased at competitive prices while meeting quality and delivery expectations.

The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and able to build effective working relationships with suppliers and internal teams including Engineering, Planning, Production, and Quality.

• Coordinate the procurement of materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and services based on production schedules and business requirements.

• Prepare and issue purchase orders and requests for quotation (RFQs) to qualified suppliers.

• Obtain and evaluate supplier information regarding pricing, availability, lead times, delivery schedules, and product quality.

• Negotiate pricing and basic purchasing terms within established levels of authority.

• Analyze supplier quotes, pricing data, financial information, and market conditions to determine reasonable and competitive pricing.

• Enter purchase orders into the MRP system and distribute orders to suppliers via email, fax, or other electronic methods.

• Monitor purchase order status and proactively follow up on unconfirmed, past-due, and upcoming requirements.

• Coordinate and expedite material deliveries to ensure production and user requirements are met.

• Work closely with Planning and Production to maintain appropriate inventory levels while supporting company financial and operational targets.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Planning, and Production to communicate changes in production requirements and ensure updates are properly communicated to suppliers.

• Communicate engineering changes, revised drawings, specifications, and other applicable updates to suppliers.

• Monitor and actively manage supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.

• Maintain accurate procurement records, including purchase orders, pricing, deliveries, supplier performance, inventory, and product quality.

• Investigate defective or unacceptable materials and services in collaboration with Quality, Engineering, internal users, and suppliers, and coordinate corrective actions as needed.

• Resolve supplier issues, claims, and complaints related to purchase orders and contracts, escalating significant issues to the Purchasing Manager when appropriate.

• Maintain professional and collaborative relationships with internal customers, suppliers, and business partners.

• Develop knowledge of assigned commodities, market conditions, pricing trends, and available sources of supply.

• Maintain an effective supplier base and identify potential new sources of supply when needed.

• Review and approve invoices for payment within established authority.

• Support departmental goals, metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• 1–3 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or related experience preferred.

• Entry-level candidates with limited relevant experience may be considered.

• Basic understanding of purchasing, procurement, inventory, and supplier management concepts.

• Ability to perform routine purchasing activities in accordance with established procedures.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to prioritize multiple requirements and meet deadlines.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to develop productive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Experience with an MRP/ERP system is preferred.

• College degree preferred, ideally in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field
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• Equivalent education and/or relevant work experience may be considered.

This is an early-career purchasing…