Job Title: Buyer – Service Parts (Interior & Exterior Commodities)Job Description This Buyer role focuses on post-production service parts within the Interior and Exterior commodities, supporting long-term strategies for a major automotive service parts division. You will manage a defined purchasing portfolio, lead supplier negotiations, and drive cost reduction initiatives while balancing cost, quality, and delivery targets. The position is highly project-based and fast paced, requiring strong analytical skills, effective supplier relationship management, and the ability to work across functions to ensure uninterrupted supply for service parts customers. Responsibilities + Manage a defined purchasing deck within the service parts organization for post-production Interior and Exterior commodities. + Lead supplier negotiations to secure best pricing, cost reductions, and favorable terms of business while meeting cost, quality, and delivery targets. + Execute heavy project-based work, including extensive market testing to identify best value and competitive sourcing options. + Work with both new and existing suppliers to support long-term service parts strategies and ensure supply continuity. + Support the purchasing function and collaborate with other relevant departments, communicating any supply issues that could impact business operations. + Act as an interface between suppliers and internal departments on purchasing processes, new projects, and ongoing activities. + Monitor and report on issues that present risk or opportunity to the organization, including supply disruptions and cost changes. + Monitor market trends, competitor strategies, and supplier capabilities to inform sourcing decisions and commodity strategies. + Provide detailed cost analysis on new and existing parts and lead cost reduction activities to achieve savings targets. + Work closely with colleagues in procurement to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and business process enhancements. + Negotiate contracts and commercial terms with suppliers, using procurement best practices and negotiation tools to drive business savings. + Build, maintain, and manage strong supplier relationships, ensuring clear and effective communication. + Conduct research to identify new components and potential suppliers that can improve cost, quality, or delivery performance. + Compile and analyze data related to supplier performance to support evaluation and sourcing decisions. + Contact suppliers to resolve issues related to price discrepancies, quality concerns, delivery delays, or invoice problems. + Resolve supplier shortages and past-due situations to protect production and service levels. + Update and maintain commodity strategies in line with market conditions and business objectives. + Collaborate with cost estimating teams to develop cost estimates for savings negotiations and to counter supplier price increase requests. + Produce weekly reports, charts, and status updates on open assignments and projects for leadership and stakeholders. + Perform market tests, analyze supplier responses, and recommend or award sourcing decisions for parts. + Review open vehicles-off-road (VOR) and backorders on a weekly basis and expedite parts deliveries to support customer needs. + Use SAP/ERP systems and Excel to manage purchasing data, analyze trends, and support decision-making. + Participate actively in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Essential Skills + 2–5 years of recent purchasing, buying commodities, or program management experience within the automotive industry. + 2–5 years of program management and analytical experience, including managing multiple projects and deadlines. + Proven track record of supplier negotiations and demonstrated experience identifying and driving cost savings. + Hands-on SAP or ERP system experience in a purchasing or supply chain environment. + Intermediate Excel skills (approximately 80% proficiency or higher), including working comfortably with data and analysis. + Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and communicate effectively with suppliers. + Completed bachelor’s degree, preferably in a business-related field. + Highly motivated, proactive, and self-starting work style, with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. + Ability to perform detailed data analysis to support purchasing decisions and cost optimization. + Experience working in supply chain, logistics, or procurement functions. + Ability to manage commodity buying responsibilities and support program management activities. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field or equivalent education strongly preferred. + Experience as a commodity buyer within the automotive sector. + Program management experience supporting automotive or manufacturing projects. + Strong negotiation skills with the ability to structure win–win agreements and long-term supplier partnerships. + Experience with Ford-related systems or SAP environments is a plus. + Familiarity with purchasing best practices, market testing, and competitive sourcing methods. + Ability to compile and interpret supplier performance data for strategic decision-making. + Comfort working in a fast-paced, project-driven environment with multiple stakeholders. + Successful completion of a Power User 2016 Excel test (or equivalent) as part of the hiring process. Work Environment The role currently follows a hybrid schedule, with on-site work from Monday through Thursday and a work-from-home day on Friday, subject to change based on leadership direction and business needs. Core work hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a required one-hour unpaid lunch break. The workspace is an open-concept office where the entire purchasing team sits on the same floor, encouraging collaboration, communication, and a strong team dynamic. The building includes a cafeteria, and additional lunch options are within walking distance. The dress code is business casual, with khakis or dress pants and a button-down shirt or blouse considered appropriate attire. The culture emphasizes a family- and team-oriented environment and is guided by core values such as putting people first, doing the right thing, being curious, creating tomorrow, building tough and resilient solutions, playing to win, and acting as one unified team. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr. 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) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Dearborn,MI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 18, 2026. 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® double diamond 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 (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.