Automotive Production Buyer

Job Title: Category Buyer

Job Description

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned commodities, products, and services.
• Lead supplier selection, sourcing, and commercial negotiation activities to achieve cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance, including setting expectations, monitoring results, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support cost reduction, productivity, and value creation objectives across the supply base.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including 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 activities.
• Prepare clear, data-driven recommendations and presentations for management review and decision-making.
• 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 the development and execution of commodity strategies and long-term category plans.

Essential Skills

• 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 with 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.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strategic sourcing experience, including development and execution of 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, including coordinating timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, APICS, or similar credentials are a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to manage complex sourcing activities and documentation.

This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

This is a hybrid position in Dearborn,MI.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.