Buyer

Optimal Solution Company; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimal Solution Company in Dearborn, MI is seeking a Category Buyer to develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and lead commercial negotiations to drive cost, quality, delivery, and risk management.

You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, finance, and operations, analyze market trends, support cost reduction, and ensure compliance with purchasing policies while building strong supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or related functions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing sourcing strategies for assigned commodities, products, or services.
• Leading supplier selection, sourcing, and negotiation activities.
• Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Managing supplier performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supporting cost reduction and productivity objectives.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Operations, and Program Management.
• Analyzing market trends, supplier capabilities, and commercial opportunities.
• Supporting business continuity and supply chain risk mitigation activities.
• Preparing recommendations and presentations for management review.
• Driving compliance with purchasing policies and procedures.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

MS Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Job Description

As a Category Buyer, you will be responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, supporting commercial negotiations, and driving value for the organization through cost, quality, delivery, and risk management initiatives.

Responsibilities may include:

• Developing and executing sourcing strategies for assigned commodities, products, or services.
• Leading supplier selection, sourcing, and negotiation activities.
• Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Managing supplier performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supporting cost reduction and productivity objectives.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Operations, and Program Management.
• Analyzing market trends, supplier capabilities, and commercial opportunities.
• Supporting business continuity and supply chain risk mitigation activities.
• Preparing recommendations and presentations for management review.
• Driving compliance with purchasing policies and procedures.

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Engineering, Operations, Economics, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, supply chain, supplier management, manufacturing, engineering, operations, or related business functions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred

• Strategic sourcing experience.
• Supplier negotiation experience.
• Automotive, manufacturing, logistics, technology, or industrial industry experience.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and performance metrics.
• Knowledge of procurement systems and commercial contracting processes.
• Project management experience.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, APICS, or similar credentials.

Use of AI Technology:

Unless expressly authorized in the interview/skill set validation instructions, candidates may not use AI tools or other third-party assistance during an interview or assessment to generate or provide substantive answers to interview questions. Candidates should answer organically in their own words, drawing on their own knowledge, skills, and experience. Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in the candidate being removed from consideration.