Job Title: Purchasing Agent Job Description This position supports the purchasing team with the procurement of specific commodities. The role requires working closely with vendors to negotiate prices, supply contracts, and agreements both nationally and internationally. The Purchasing Agent will compile and analyze statistical data to determine the feasibility and timing of purchasing products and to establish price objectives, focusing on all production and operational purchasing activities. Responsibilities + Build and manage relationships with key suppliers, fostering effective partnerships and ensuring performance to contracts. + Identify and develop new suppliers to support expanding business needs, ensuring positive terms, pricing, and delivery schedules. + Ensure vendors meet TS16949 and MIOSHA safety standards. + Support strong teamwork within Operations through continuous communication, timely ordering, and regular follow-up with suppliers to ensure purchased materials and parts arrive in time to meet production commitments. + Prepare purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders in accordance with company policy and negotiated terms and conditions. + Evaluate supplier performance and escalate any performance issues to the Director of Operations. + Track supplier development, rejections, scorecards, 8D, and update supplier base data with documents such as SQM, T&C, NDA, IATF Certification, ISO Certification. + Determine and establish optimal inventory levels based on forecast, demand variation, and material lead times. + Assist in determining demand, supply, and fulfillment planning within the MRP system. + Maintain Bill of Materials, parts, and master data within ERP, and conduct BOM audits. + Update demand to accommodate Engineering Change Orders and communicate changes to procurement. + Monitor the status of open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery of all materials and resolve any issues promptly. + Monitor production activity against purchased parts and ensure the timing of purchased materials and parts meets production commitments. + Actively participate as part of the operations team to make continuous improvements in the areas of purchasing, planning, scheduling, and shipping. Essential Skills + 2+ years of recent purchasing experience within manufacturing. + Strong communication skills, confidence, self-starting attitude, problem-solving abilities. + BA Degree. + MRP or ERP experience. + Proficiency with MS Office Suite. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Tier 1 automotive purchasing experience. + Production purchasing experience with resins, packaging, hardware. + BA degree in supply chain. + Bilingual in Spanish is a plus. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $50000.00 - $60000.00 mmi offers strong benefits, health dental and vision, and three weeks of pto (130 hours) .................................................................................................................................................................. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Saline,MI. Application Deadline This position will be accepting applications until Jan 31, 2025. 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. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Aston Carter, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through: + Hiring diverse talent + Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection + Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes + Ensuring growth opportunities for our people 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.