Buyer – External Manufacturing

Buyer, External Manufacturing Location: Fairfield County, CT (Onsite 5 days/week) Type: Contract (~6 months) Pay: $38-$42/HR Position Overview We’re partnering with a growing company in the medical device/life sciences industry to find a Buyer, External Manufacturing to support day-to-day purchasing activities and ensure continuity of supply across a global network of suppliers and contract manufacturing partners. This role is ideal for a hands-on procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes ownership of priorities, and can proactively resolve supply chain challenges while supporting production schedules and finished goods availability. Key Responsibilities Manage the full purchasing lifecycle, including purchase orders, supplier follow-up, delivery schedules, and issue resolution. Coordinate material availability and supplier commitments to support production plans and changing business needs. Manage relationships with global suppliers and external manufacturing partners across multiple regions and time zones. Identify potential supply risks, shortages, and inventory concerns, and independently drive solutions to prevent disruptions. Partner cross-functionally with Planning, Operations, Quality, Engineering, Finance, and External Manufacturing teams to resolve supply constraints. Maintain accurate purchasing, inventory, lead-time, and supplier data within ERP systems. Prepare and maintain purchasing, inventory, shortage, and supplier performance reports. Support new product introductions, product transfers, engineering changes, and supplier transitions. Qualifications 5+ years of purchasing experience supporting external manufacturing, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs/CDMOs), and/or finished goods suppliers. Experience managing a global supplier portfolio across multiple regions and time zones. Background in medical devices, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, or another regulated manufacturing environment. Strong ERP experience; Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) is preferred. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting, and working with large data sets. Strong supplier management, communication, and follow-up skills. Ability to independently manage competing priorities, identify problems, and drive solutions with urgency and accountability. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. This job description outlines the desired qualifications and responsibilities; not every requirement is necessarily required. Candidates who meet some of the qualifications are encouraged to apply. We look forward to learning more about your experience!