Entry Level Program Buyer Jobs
New grad program buyer jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or coursework in procurement and supply chain can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Manufacturing, Technology & Software, and Retail, with employers like ABB, KLA, and Jabil hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 66+ Entry Level Program Buyer jobs
Buyer
Location: Plymouth, MI
Company: Optimal-EV
Employment Type: Full-Time
Start: Immediate / ASAP
About Optimal-EV
Optimal-EV is an innovative electric vehicle manufacturer focused on developing and producing next-generation electric shuttle buses and mobility solutions. We are seeking an experienced Buyer to join our team in Plymouth, Michigan and support our growing manufacturing and purchasing operations.
Position Summary
The Buyer will be responsible for purchasing a broad range of materials, components, parts, and services required to support Optimal-EV's manufacturing and engineering operations.
The ideal candidate will have at least 2-3 years of purchasing experience in an automotive supplier, manufacturing, or small-to-mid-sized business environment. We are particularly interested in candidates who have broad purchasing experience and have been involved with multiple types of materials, components, suppliers, and purchasing activities.
Experience with NetSuite is preferred but not required.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day purchasing activities for production, engineering, and operational requirements.
- Purchase a variety of materials, components, parts, and services needed to support manufacturing operations.
- Create and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate pricing, quantities, specifications, and delivery requirements.
- Identify and evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and capability.
- Request and evaluate supplier quotes and negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms.
- Communicate directly with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, delivery schedules, quality concerns, and other purchasing matters.
- Monitor open purchase orders and proactively address late or delayed deliveries.
- Work closely with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to understand material requirements, specifications, and timing.
- Review BOMs, part numbers, material requirements, and other purchasing information.
- Coordinate with suppliers to ensure materials are available when needed to support production schedules.
- Partner with Quality and suppliers to resolve material and supplier-related issues.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, and purchase order data.
- Support supplier onboarding and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Monitor material availability and help prevent production shortages.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and improved purchasing efficiency.
- Support inventory and material planning activities.
- Assist with developing and maintaining supplier performance metrics.
- Ensure purchasing activities follow company policies and established processes.
- Take ownership of purchasing issues and drive them through resolution.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Operations, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of purchasing, buying, procurement, or related experience.
- Experience working in an automotive supplier, manufacturing company, or small-to-mid-sized business environment.
- Strong understanding of purchasing processes, supplier management, purchase orders, pricing, lead times, and material requirements.
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple purchasing categories, suppliers, and components.
- Strong negotiation, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of purchasing activities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with NetSuite or another ERP/MRP system.
- Automotive manufacturing or automotive supplier experience.
- Experience purchasing a broad range of mechanical, electrical, fabricated, machined, or other manufacturing components.
- Experience working with engineering drawings, BOMs, part numbers, and material specifications.
- Experience with supplier cost negotiations and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Experience supporting new product development or production launches.
- Knowledge of EV manufacturing and/or electric vehicle components is a plus.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are looking for a hands-on Buyer who has broad exposure to purchasing and understands how purchasing decisions directly impact manufacturing operations.
Candidates coming from automotive suppliers, contract manufacturers, or small-to-mid-sized manufacturing companies are strongly preferred because these environments typically provide broader exposure to different commodities, suppliers, components, and purchasing activities.
The ideal candidate should be comfortable wearing multiple hats, working directly with suppliers, supporting Engineering and Manufacturing, resolving material shortages, negotiating pricing, and taking ownership from purchase order placement through delivery.
Hiring Timeline
This is an immediate hiring need, and we are looking to fill this position ASAP. We are prepared to interview qualified candidates throughout next week and move quickly with the right candidate.
Buyer
Location: Plymouth, MI
Company: Optimal-EV
Employment Type: Full-Time
Start: Immediate / ASAP
About Optimal-EV
Optimal-EV is an innovative electric vehicle manufacturer focused on developing and producing next-generation electric shuttle buses and mobility solutions. We are seeking an experienced Buyer to join our team in Plymouth, Michigan and support our growing manufacturing and purchasing operations.
Position Summary
The Buyer will be responsible for purchasing a broad range of materials, components, parts, and services required to support Optimal-EV's manufacturing and engineering operations.
The ideal candidate will have at least 2-3 years of purchasing experience in an automotive supplier, manufacturing, or small-to-mid-sized business environment. We are particularly interested in candidates who have broad purchasing experience and have been involved with multiple types of materials, components, suppliers, and purchasing activities.
Experience with NetSuite is preferred but not required.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day purchasing activities for production, engineering, and operational requirements.
- Purchase a variety of materials, components, parts, and services needed to support manufacturing operations.
- Create and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate pricing, quantities, specifications, and delivery requirements.
- Identify and evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and capability.
- Request and evaluate supplier quotes and negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms.
- Communicate directly with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, delivery schedules, quality concerns, and other purchasing matters.
- Monitor open purchase orders and proactively address late or delayed deliveries.
- Work closely with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to understand material requirements, specifications, and timing.
- Review BOMs, part numbers, material requirements, and other purchasing information.
- Coordinate with suppliers to ensure materials are available when needed to support production schedules.
- Partner with Quality and suppliers to resolve material and supplier-related issues.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, and purchase order data.
- Support supplier onboarding and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Monitor material availability and help prevent production shortages.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and improved purchasing efficiency.
- Support inventory and material planning activities.
- Assist with developing and maintaining supplier performance metrics.
- Ensure purchasing activities follow company policies and established processes.
- Take ownership of purchasing issues and drive them through resolution.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Operations, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of purchasing, buying, procurement, or related experience.
- Experience working in an automotive supplier, manufacturing company, or small-to-mid-sized business environment.
- Strong understanding of purchasing processes, supplier management, purchase orders, pricing, lead times, and material requirements.
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple purchasing categories, suppliers, and components.
- Strong negotiation, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of purchasing activities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with NetSuite or another ERP/MRP system.
- Automotive manufacturing or automotive supplier experience.
- Experience purchasing a broad range of mechanical, electrical, fabricated, machined, or other manufacturing components.
- Experience working with engineering drawings, BOMs, part numbers, and material specifications.
- Experience with supplier cost negotiations and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Experience supporting new product development or production launches.
- Knowledge of EV manufacturing and/or electric vehicle components is a plus.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are looking for a hands-on Buyer who has broad exposure to purchasing and understands how purchasing decisions directly impact manufacturing operations.
Candidates coming from automotive suppliers, contract manufacturers, or small-to-mid-sized manufacturing companies are strongly preferred because these environments typically provide broader exposure to different commodities, suppliers, components, and purchasing activities.
The ideal candidate should be comfortable wearing multiple hats, working directly with suppliers, supporting Engineering and Manufacturing, resolving material shortages, negotiating pricing, and taking ownership from purchase order placement through delivery.
Hiring Timeline
This is an immediate hiring need, and we are looking to fill this position ASAP. We are prepared to interview qualified candidates throughout next week and move quickly with the right candidate.
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Entry Level Program Buyer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level program buyer job?
Start by building coursework or internship experience in procurement, supply chain, or vendor management, since employers at this level value hands-on exposure over years on a resume. Familiarity with purchase orders, supplier communication, and basic ERP or inventory tools gives candidates a clear edge. Tailoring your resume to highlight any buying or sourcing projects, even from academic work, strengthens your application significantly.
Which companies hire entry level program buyers?
Companies hiring entry level program buyers right now include ABB, KLA, and Jabil, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from manufacturers, defense contractors, government agencies, and large retailers that run structured procurement teams and regularly bring in junior buyers to support sourcing operations.
Are there remote entry level program buyer jobs?
Yes, though most postings at this level are on-site or hybrid given the hands-on coordination involved. About 27% of entry level program buyer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, so options exist for candidates who need flexibility. Filtering by work setting when you search helps you quickly identify which employers offer those arrangements.
Are these new grad program buyer jobs?
Yes, many of these postings are new grad and junior roles that explicitly welcome recent graduates, candidates with zero to two years of experience, or applicants coming in through internships. A new grad friendly posting typically skips strict experience requirements and focuses instead on relevant coursework, certifications like CPSM or CSCP, or demonstrated interest in procurement and supply chain.
Which industries hire the most entry level program buyers?
Entry Level program buyer roles concentrate in Manufacturing, Technology & Software, and Retail, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors tend to drive hiring at the junior level because their procurement volumes and supplier networks are large enough to support dedicated buying teams that bring in new graduates to handle sourcing, purchase order management, and vendor tracking.