Program Buyer

Job Title: Program Buyer

Job Description

The Program Buyer leads sourcing activities for technical automotive products within defined program scopes, ensuring that cost, quality, timing, and service targets are consistently achieved. This role executes category sourcing strategies under the guidance of Category Managers, manages supplier relationships, and supports early supplier integration during new product development. The Program Buyer prepares and presents sourcing documentation for approval, executes contracts that reflect sourcing outcomes, and actively manages business and supply risk in a global, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute category sourcing strategies within the assigned program scope under the direction of Category Managers.

• Achieve program deliverables related to cost, quality, timing, and service for all assigned commodities and projects.

• Prepare and present comprehensive sourcing documentation to obtain Sourcing Committee approval.

• Execute contracts that align with sourcing decisions and effectively manage business and supply risk.

• Act as the primary interface between Program Teams and external suppliers, ensuring clear and timely communication.

• Support early supplier integration during new product development to optimize design, cost, and manufacturability.

• Collaborate with suppliers on design optimization and cost improvement initiatives throughout the product lifecycle.

• Manage cost and timing throughout development in partnership with Supplier Development teams.

• Provide regular updates, reporting, and support to cross-functional program core teams.

• Work closely with Category Management, Program Teams, Supplier Development, and other internal stakeholders to align sourcing decisions with overall program objectives.

• Apply knowledge of commercial contract law basics when reviewing and executing supplier agreements.

• Ensure adherence to timelines and customer expectations through proactive planning and issue resolution.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of sourcing processes and tools within a global procurement environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a technical or business degree with strong technical understanding, or an equivalent education.

• 3+ years of experience in the automotive industry supporting international procurement or sourcing of technical products.

• Proven experience executing sourcing strategies and supplier selection within a program-based environment.

• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable commercial and technical terms.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams and external suppliers.

• Ability to manage cost, quality, timing, and supplier performance concurrently across multiple projects.

• Working knowledge of the basics of commercial contract law.

• Good skills in Excel and PowerPoint.

• Experience working with ERP systems.

• Willingness to travel internationally, approximately 20%.

• Ability to work under pressure with a strong solution orientation.

• Ability to work effectively in global, cross-functional teams across different departments.

• Customer-oriented mindset with high adherence to timelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• First professional experience in international procurement of technical products in the automotive industry.

• Experience in Business Intelligence software for data analysis and reporting.

• Additional language skills beyond English, such as local languages, are preferable.

• Global mindset with strong intercultural understanding.

• Understanding of processes according to ISO 9001, IATF, and VDA 6.3.

• Broad knowledge of manufacturing processes relevant to automotive and technical products.

• Experience interpreting and analyzing cost breakdowns (CBD).

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to source newly developed products from concept through launch.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Troy, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $90000.00/yr.

Full benefits offered Med, Vision, and dental Holiday and PTO package Hybrid work flexibility

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Troy,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 1, 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® 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 View email address on click.appcast.io (%View email address on click.appcast.io) 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.