Job Information
Aston Carter Sr. Buyer in Cadillac, Michigan
About the Role
We are seeking an Experienced Buyer to lead end‑to‑end procurement for plastic injection and textile commodities within a regulated manufacturing environment. This role owns sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and cost optimization across a significant annual spend, while partnering cross‑functionally to support both new product introductions and ongoing production.
This position is ideal for a strategic, hands‑on procurement professional with experience supporting government or Department of Defense programs and working closely with engineering, quality, and operations teams.
What You’ll Do
Lead the full lifecycle procurement process for plastic injection and textile commodities, from sourcing through supplier performance management
Own and execute category strategies aligned with business and supply chain objectives
Manage and optimize a supplier base of 50+ suppliers, including supplier rationalization following acquisitions
Negotiate contracts, pricing, terms, and conditions to meet cost, quality, delivery, and risk‑mitigation goals
Conduct regular supplier visits to evaluate quality, delivery, compliance, and performance
Partner cross‑functionally with engineering, quality, operations, and supply chain teams to align sourcing strategies with business needs
Support new product introductions (NPI) by reviewing part numbers, drawings, and supplier capabilities
Ensure compliance with procurement processes and government regulations (FAR and DAR)
Create, issue, and manage purchase orders and supplier agreements
Lead and participate in strategic sourcing initiatives and competitive bid events
Drive continuous improvement through cost reduction, lead‑time reduction, and inventory optimization
Monitor supplier performance, investigate issues, and drive corrective action plans
Manage an annual spend of approximately $15–$20M
Use Sage ERP and Microsoft Excel to manage purchasing activities, data accuracy, and reporting
What We’re Looking For (Required Qualifications)
Bachelor’s degree (business or related field preferred)
8+ years of buying and negotiation experience in a manufacturing environment
Proven experience negotiating detailed contracts and commercial terms
Experience supporting government and Department of Defense programs, including FAR/DAR compliance
History of managing annual spend of $15M+
Experience managing 50+ suppliers
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for analysis and reporting
Hands‑on experience using an ERP system (Sage preferred)
Strong understanding of materials management and supply chain principles
Nice‑to‑Have Qualifications
Experience in aerospace or Tier 1 / Tier 2 automotive manufacturing
Familiarity working with technical drawings and part numbers
Strong cross‑functional communication and collaboration skills
Continuous improvement mindset with experience in cost savings and inventory optimization
Ability to manage multiple strategic projects while meeting quarterly objectives
Interest in growth opportunities within supply chain, such as expanded scope or freight oversight
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cadillac, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.87 - $45.67/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 fully onsite position in Cadillac,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 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.