Automotive Production Buyer

Aston Carter • Dearborn, MI

7d • $35 - $45 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Buyer develops and executes sourcing strategies for assigned commodities, products, and services, driving value through cost, quality, delivery, and risk management. The role leads supplier selection and negotiations, manages supplier performance, and partners with cross-functional teams to support business objectives and continuous improvement. It is a long-term, open-ended contract position with a potential path to direct opportunities within the purchasing organization.

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, including the ability to interpret data and make sound recommendations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interaction with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

• Strategic sourcing experience, including developing and executing category or commodity strategies.
• Supplier negotiation experience, including commercial terms and conditions.
• Industry experience in automotive, manufacturing, logistics, technology, or industrial environments.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and performance metrics.
• Knowledge of procurement systems and commercial contracting processes.
• Project management experience coordinating timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, APICS, or similar credentials.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills for managing complex sourcing activities and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned commodities, products, and services.
• Lead supplier selection, sourcing, and commercial negotiations to achieve cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance by setting expectations, monitoring results, and driving continuous improvement.
• Support cost reduction, productivity, and value creation objectives across the supply base.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Operations, and Program Management to align sourcing decisions with business needs.
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and commercial opportunities to inform sourcing strategies and recommendations.
• Support business continuity planning and supply chain risk mitigation.
• Prepare data-driven recommendations and presentations for management review and decisions.
• Drive compliance with purchasing policies, procedures, and standard work.
• Create, manage, and follow up on purchase orders and related purchasing documentation as needed.
• Contribute to commodity strategies and long-term category plans.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level