Buyer

Job Title: Buyer Prototype Purchasing Job Description
The Buyer Prototype Purchasing selects and pilots suppliers to meet defined quality, cost, and delivery objectives for prototype programs. This role manages supplier performance throughout program phases, leads prototype purchasing strategy and team activities, and ensures clear reporting on costs, quality, delivery, and key issues.
Responsibilities
- Identify, evaluate, and consult suppliers within the approved panel to support prototype programs.
- Negotiate or actively participate in supplier negotiations and contribute to the final selection of suppliers.
- Manage supplier relationships during all program phases, ensuring alignment with quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
- Monitor and control supplier costs against established price targets, in coordination with the prototype management team.
- Pilot and track supplier quality performance throughout the program lifecycle, addressing issues proactively.
- Ensure adherence to delivery deadlines and resolve any supply or logistics issues that could impact program timelines.
- Lead and coordinate purchasing milestones, ensuring they are achieved according to program plans and requirements.
- Organize and chair sourcing committee meetings, presenting supplier options, performance data, and recommendations.
- Provide regular, structured reporting on program status in terms of costs, quality, delivery, and key points to relevant stakeholders.
- Manage the prototype purchasing team, providing guidance, direction, and support to achieve purchasing strategy and program goals.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of prototype purchasing strategy in alignment with broader organizational objectives.
Essential Skills
- Minimum 2 years of experience as a buyer in an industrial environment.
- Proven experience in purchasing and supplier management, including cost, quality, and delivery performance follow-up.
- Ability to work effectively within a matrixed organization, collaborating across functions and locations.
- Strong supplier quality focus, with the ability to monitor and improve supplier performance during program phases.
- Competence in organizing and leading sourcing activities and purchasing milestones.
- Solid communication and reporting skills, with the ability to present program status and key issues clearly.
- International mindset, with the ability to work with overseas suppliers and stakeholders.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Overseas experience is a plus and supports effective collaboration with international suppliers.
- SAP knowledge is a plus and enhances efficiency in managing purchasing and supplier data.
- Experience in prototype purchasing or project-based procurement is advantageous.
- Demonstrated ability to support and manage a purchasing team within a strategic framework.
Work Environment
This role is based onsite, with work typically performed on company premises Monday through Friday. The position operates within an industrial environment and a matrixed organizational structure, requiring close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as engineering, quality, logistics, and program management. The work involves regular interaction with suppliers, participation in sourcing committees, and use of enterprise systems such as SAP for purchasing and supplier management. The environment is fast-paced and project-driven, centered on prototype programs with defined milestones, timelines, and performance targets.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Columbus, IN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Columbus, IN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,IN.

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 [email protected] 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.