Buyer

Job Title: Buyer Prototype Purchasing

Job Description

The Buyer for prototype purchasing selects and pilots suppliers to meet quality, cost, and delivery objectives for prototype programs. This role manages supplier performance throughout program phases, leads purchasing strategy for prototypes, and provides regular reporting on key metrics while collaborating closely with planners and other buyers.

Responsibilities

• Select and pilot suppliers to meet defined quality, cost, and delivery objectives for prototype programs.
• Identify and consult with suppliers within the approved panel and participate in supplier negotiations.
• Contribute to the final choice of suppliers based on performance, capability, and commercial conditions.
• Manage supplier relationships during all program phases, ensuring alignment with program requirements.
• Monitor and control supplier costs against price targets negotiated with the prototype manager.
• Pilot and track supplier quality performance throughout the program lifecycle.
• Ensure adherence to delivery deadlines and proactively address any risks to on-time delivery.
• Lead and track purchasing milestones for prototype programs and ensure timely completion.
• Organize and facilitate sourcing committee meetings, presenting supplier options and recommendations.
• Provide regular reporting on program performance in terms of cost, quality, delivery, and key issues.
• Manage the prototype purchasing teams activities and contribute to purchasing strategy for prototypes.
• Work alongside other buyers and planners to address supplier questions and resolve issues.
• Collaborate with suppliers on tariff classifications and ensure correct application.
• Support the preparation of supplier quotations, working with planners who also contribute to this process.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2+ years of experience as a buyer in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within a matrixed organization and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven experience in purchasing and supplier management, including supplier quality oversight.
• Ability to manage supplier performance across cost, quality, and delivery metrics during program phases.
• Capability to organize and lead sourcing activities and purchasing milestones for prototype programs.
• Strong analytical skills to compare costs against price targets and support negotiation decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including the ability to create and use formulas.
• Comfort working with ERP systems; SAP knowledge is beneficial but experience with any ERP software is acceptable.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• International mindset with overseas experience considered a plus.
• Experience in prototype or project-based purchasing environments is advantageous.
• Familiarity with tariff classifications and basic trade compliance concepts.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including planners and other buyers.
• Strong communication skills for reporting on cost, quality, delivery, and key program issues.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple suppliers and programs simultaneously.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite Monday through Friday in an industrial or manufacturing setting. Most team members start between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and work an eight-hour shift. The environment involves close collaboration with buyers, planners, and suppliers, frequent use of ERP systems and Microsoft Excel, and engagement in structured program and sourcing activities.

This is a Contract position based out of Columbus, IN.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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 Columbus, IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,IN.

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.