Buyer

Aston Carter•Liberty Township, OH

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Buyer supports prototype, test, and design‑build activities by managing complex purchasing requirements in a fast‑paced engineering and R&D environment. This role independently manages supplier relationships and open purchase orders, ensuring cost, quality, and delivery expectations are consistently met despite shifting priorities and evolving designs. The Buyer partners closely with Engineers and Designers to support new product development programs and plays a key role in keeping development timelines on track through proactive sourcing, communication, and issue resolution. This position is ideal for an experienced Buyer with a strong background supporting engineering or R&D organizations and a proven ability to operate effectively in dynamic, early‑stage development environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
5+ years of experience in buying or procurement, preferably supporting engineering, R&D, or new product development programs.
Strong experience managing suppliers and open purchase orders in a fast‑paced development environment.
Hands‑on experience using ERP systems, with SAP experience required.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for tracking, reporting, and purchasing analysis.
Solid understanding of purchasing processes, supplier coordination, and purchase order lifecycle management.
Proven ability to manage shifting priorities and work effectively with incomplete or evolving designs.
Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
Effective communication skills for working with suppliers and cross‑functional internal teams.

Nice To Haves

Ariba experience is strongly preferred.
Automotive or complex manufacturing industry experience is highly beneficial.
Experience supporting prototype, pre‑production, or early development sourcing activities.
Exposure to supplier negotiations, lead‑time management, and cost discussions.
Strong problem‑solving skills and comfort working with limited structure and ambiguity.
Interest in continued growth within procurement, supply chain, or sourcing functions.

Responsibilities

Independently manage and track a high volume of open purchase orders supporting prototype, testing, and design‑build activities.
Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers, managing performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
Partner closely with Engineers and Designers to understand current designs, incomplete or evolving specifications, and future sourcing needs.
Coordinate procurement activities in an environment with frequently changing priorities, requirements, and timelines.
Ensure timely sourcing of prototype and test parts to support R&D schedules and avoid development delays.
Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date purchasing data, documentation, and order status within ERP systems, including SAP and Ariba.
Actively monitor supplier commitments and proactively identify, communicate, and help mitigate risks, delays, or supply constraints.
Support pricing discussions and basic negotiation activities related to prototype and development sourcing.
Apply strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple programs and suppliers simultaneously.
Contribute to continuous improvement of purchasing processes, documentation accuracy, and communication workflows.
Serve as a knowledgeable procurement resource for internal stakeholders and provide informal guidance or support to less‑experienced buyers as needed.