Category Buyer

Aston Carter • Dearborn, MI

3d • $35 - $45 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Buyer develops and executes sourcing strategies for assigned commodities, products, or services. The role leads supplier selection, sourcing, and negotiation activities; builds and maintains supplier relationships; and manages supplier performance and continuous improvement initiatives. The Buyer supports cost reduction, productivity, business continuity, and supply chain risk mitigation objectives, and collaborates with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Operations, and Program Management. The role analyzes market trends, supplier capabilities, and commercial opportunities, prepares recommendations and presentations for management review, and ensures compliance with purchasing policies and procedures.

This is a contract position based in Dearborn, Michigan, with a hybrid work arrangement. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, typically with one work-from-home day on Friday. The dress code is business casual. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with employees encouraged to take ownership, work cross-functionally, and contribute ideas on projects in a complex automotive environment.

The stated pay range is $35.00–$45.00 per hour. Depending on eligibility, benefits for this temporary role may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a health spending account; transportation benefits; an employee assistance program; and time off or leave.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Engineering, Operations, Economics, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, supply chain, supplier management, manufacturing, engineering, operations, or related business functions.
• Experience in Direct Purchasing, Indirect Purchasing, or Services Purchasing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• Strategic sourcing experience.
• Supplier negotiation experience.
• Experience in automotive, manufacturing, logistics, technology, or industrial industries.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and performance metrics.
• Understanding of procurement systems and commercial contracting processes.
• Project management experience.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, APICS, or similar credentials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned commodities, products, or services.
• Lead supplier selection, sourcing, and negotiation activities.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Manage supplier performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support cost reduction and productivity objectives.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Operations, and Program Management.
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and commercial opportunities.
• Support business continuity and supply chain risk mitigation activities.
• Prepare recommendations and presentations for management review.
• Drive compliance with purchasing policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (eligibility requirements apply).
• Critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage (eligibility requirements apply).
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available (eligibility requirements apply).
• Voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents (eligibility requirements apply).
• Short- and long-term disability (eligibility requirements apply).
• Health Spending Account (HSA) (eligibility requirements apply).
• Transportation benefits (eligibility requirements apply).
• Employee Assistance Program (eligibility requirements apply).
• Time off/leave, including PTO, vacation, or sick leave (eligibility requirements apply).

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level