Buyer

Job Title: Buyer

Job Description

The Buyer supports prototype, test, and design‑build activities by managing complex purchasing requirements in a fast‑paced engineering and R&D environment. This role independently manages supplier relationships and open purchase orders, ensuring cost, quality, and delivery expectations are consistently met despite shifting priorities and evolving designs. The Buyer partners closely with Engineers and Designers to support new product development programs and plays a key role in keeping development timelines on track through proactive sourcing, communication, and issue resolution.

This position is ideal for an experienced Buyer with a strong background supporting engineering or R&D organizations and a proven ability to operate effectively in dynamic, early‑stage development environments.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage and track a high volume of open purchase orders supporting prototype, testing, and design‑build activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers, managing performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Partner closely with Engineers and Designers to understand current designs, incomplete or evolving specifications, and future sourcing needs.
• Coordinate procurement activities in an environment with frequently changing priorities, requirements, and timelines.
• Ensure timely sourcing of prototype and test parts to support R&D schedules and avoid development delays.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date purchasing data, documentation, and order status within ERP systems, including SAP and Ariba.
• Actively monitor supplier commitments and proactively identify, communicate, and help mitigate risks, delays, or supply constraints.
• Support pricing discussions and basic negotiation activities related to prototype and development sourcing.
• Apply strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple programs and suppliers simultaneously.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of purchasing processes, documentation accuracy, and communication workflows.
• Serve as a knowledgeable procurement resource for internal stakeholders and provide informal guidance or support to less‑experienced buyers as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 5+ years of experience in buying or procurement, preferably supporting engineering, R&D, or new product development programs.
• Strong experience managing suppliers and open purchase orders in a fast‑paced development environment.
• Hands‑on experience using ERP systems, with SAP experience required.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for tracking, reporting, and purchasing analysis.
• Solid understanding of purchasing processes, supplier coordination, and purchase order lifecycle management.
• Proven ability to manage shifting priorities and work effectively with incomplete or evolving designs.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills for working with suppliers and cross‑functional internal teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ariba experience is strongly preferred.
• Automotive or complex manufacturing industry experience is highly beneficial.
• Experience supporting prototype, pre‑production, or early development sourcing activities.
• Exposure to supplier negotiations, lead‑time management, and cost discussions.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and comfort working with limited structure and ambiguity.
• Interest in continued growth within procurement, supply chain, or sourcing functions.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional cubicle office environment within Honda’s Automotive Development Center. The role is fully onsite during the initial training period and transitions to a hybrid work schedule thereafter, consisting of four days onsite and one day remote each week. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, either 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering flexibility in start and end times.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Raymond, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/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 Raymond,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 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 for other accommodation options.

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