Category Buyer Jobs
Category Buyer jobs are open across retail, consumer goods, healthcare, and manufacturing, with specializations in direct and indirect procurement, vendor management, and strategic sourcing, from entry-level assistant buyer roles to senior and director-level positions. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Category Buyer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 37+ Category Buyer jobs
Overview
At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.
- Job Type: Full time
- Work Type: Hybrid
Category Implementation Buyer - Tail Lamps
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
In this position...
The Ford Purchasing team adds critical value to the entire organization. You’ll help us source the highest quality parts and services from around the globe while ensuring optimal cost and on-time delivery. You’ll also contribute to establishing a robust supply chain so that we can continually produce the vehicles our customers want.
Develop sourcing plans for tail lamps enabling completion of commercial negotiations and strategic sourcing to support supplier onboard dates while delivering program targets. Lead target sign-off process with match-pairs, prepare RFQ's, evaluate supplier quotations and complete Commercial Agreements.Lead QCDR process including plans to deliver full year objectives for commodity suppliers.Develop and maintain strong supplier partnerships.Lead supplier commercial negotiations, drive cost reduction strategies.Assist in managing the category strategy (CBP) across regions with annual updates including identifying and developing suppliers to deliver quality, delivery and cost objectives.Complete critical upcoming sourcing decisions and work with new suppliers on industrialization plans.
What you'll do...
- Strategic Planning, Sourcing & Negotiation for the Tail Lamp commodity
- Co-lead and develop together with PD Commodity Business Plans
- Understand upcoming program sourcing and key milestones in support of launch
- Lead process to source on time and satisfy program targets, including working closely with PD to develop forward model cost targets
- Lead market tests and design competitions
- Understand supplier cost, OCEs, and cost gaps
- Provide feedback to valued supply partners on cost position relative to the market to build effective long-term, productive relationships.
- Work with Product Development to understand the latest supply base footprint, financial health ratings, technologies, and trends
- Understand and set cost savings goals to achieve on an annual basis by identifying pure commercial leverage versus design efficiencies and end-to-end supply chain improvements
- Develop material cost roadmaps that deliver corporate objectives and ensure the long-term viability
- Lead global supplier negotiation to support Quality, Cost, Delivery, Resilience (TVM, E2E, CRID, etc.), develop Action Plan to achieve these goals
- Provide direct support to Supplier Quality and Material, Planning & Logistics where part quality and shortages become prevalent
- Work with engineering to identify alternative technologies or sources of supply to maintain a consistent flow of product into Ford production facilities
- Close all commercial issues in a timely, effective and competitive manner so as to not risk plant build objectives.
You'll have...
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum of 3 years of direct experience in automotive procurement or supply chain management.
- Strong supplier relationship management, communication, and negotiation skills.
- Experience in cost analysis, strategic sourcing, and process improvement.
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally to resolve supplier issues and achieve program objectives.
- Willingness to travel as required and work a hybrid schedule, with 4 days onsite in Dearborn and 1 optional remote day.
Even better, you may have...
- Experience with transmission components and systems
- 5+ years of direct automotive procurement and supply chain experience
- Desire to strengthen negotiation skills and fact-based problem solving
- Experience with strategic sourcing and cost negotiations.
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above?
No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
- Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.,
This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-MH4
Overview
At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.
- Job Type: Full time
- Work Type: Hybrid
Category Implementation Buyer - Tail Lamps
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
In this position...
The Ford Purchasing team adds critical value to the entire organization. You’ll help us source the highest quality parts and services from around the globe while ensuring optimal cost and on-time delivery. You’ll also contribute to establishing a robust supply chain so that we can continually produce the vehicles our customers want.
Develop sourcing plans for tail lamps enabling completion of commercial negotiations and strategic sourcing to support supplier onboard dates while delivering program targets. Lead target sign-off process with match-pairs, prepare RFQ's, evaluate supplier quotations and complete Commercial Agreements.Lead QCDR process including plans to deliver full year objectives for commodity suppliers.Develop and maintain strong supplier partnerships.Lead supplier commercial negotiations, drive cost reduction strategies.Assist in managing the category strategy (CBP) across regions with annual updates including identifying and developing suppliers to deliver quality, delivery and cost objectives.Complete critical upcoming sourcing decisions and work with new suppliers on industrialization plans.
What you'll do...
- Strategic Planning, Sourcing & Negotiation for the Tail Lamp commodity
- Co-lead and develop together with PD Commodity Business Plans
- Understand upcoming program sourcing and key milestones in support of launch
- Lead process to source on time and satisfy program targets, including working closely with PD to develop forward model cost targets
- Lead market tests and design competitions
- Understand supplier cost, OCEs, and cost gaps
- Provide feedback to valued supply partners on cost position relative to the market to build effective long-term, productive relationships.
- Work with Product Development to understand the latest supply base footprint, financial health ratings, technologies, and trends
- Understand and set cost savings goals to achieve on an annual basis by identifying pure commercial leverage versus design efficiencies and end-to-end supply chain improvements
- Develop material cost roadmaps that deliver corporate objectives and ensure the long-term viability
- Lead global supplier negotiation to support Quality, Cost, Delivery, Resilience (TVM, E2E, CRID, etc.), develop Action Plan to achieve these goals
- Provide direct support to Supplier Quality and Material, Planning & Logistics where part quality and shortages become prevalent
- Work with engineering to identify alternative technologies or sources of supply to maintain a consistent flow of product into Ford production facilities
- Close all commercial issues in a timely, effective and competitive manner so as to not risk plant build objectives.
You'll have...
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum of 3 years of direct experience in automotive procurement or supply chain management.
- Strong supplier relationship management, communication, and negotiation skills.
- Experience in cost analysis, strategic sourcing, and process improvement.
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally to resolve supplier issues and achieve program objectives.
- Willingness to travel as required and work a hybrid schedule, with 4 days onsite in Dearborn and 1 optional remote day.
Even better, you may have...
- Experience with transmission components and systems
- 5+ years of direct automotive procurement and supply chain experience
- Desire to strengthen negotiation skills and fact-based problem solving
- Experience with strategic sourcing and cost negotiations.
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above?
No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
- Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.,
This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-MH4
See All 37 Category Buyer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Category Buyer JobsCategory Buyer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Staffing & Recruiting
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in category buyer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or a related field
- Experience managing supplier relationships and conducting competitive bids
- Proficiency with procurement or ERP software such as SAP Ariba or Oracle
- Demonstrated ability to analyze spend data and identify cost reduction opportunities
- Strong contract negotiation and vendor performance management skills
- Familiarity with sourcing methodologies including RFQ, RFP, and total cost of ownership analysis
Tips for Your Category Buyer Job Search
Quantify your savings and cost avoidance
Category buyer resumes that convert show numbers: percentage cost reductions, contract savings, or supplier consolidation results. Hiring managers in procurement expect you to demonstrate commercial impact, not just describe responsibilities. Pull those figures from past performance reviews before you apply.
Match your category experience to the posting
A buyer specializing in packaging has a different profile than one focused on IT hardware or raw materials. Tailor your resume headline and summary to reflect the specific category the employer is hiring for, using the same terminology the job description uses.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists category buyer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare category-specific spend scenarios
Interviewers for buyer roles routinely ask how you have managed supplier performance or run a competitive bid. Practice walking through a real sourcing event end to end, covering scope definition, supplier selection criteria, and the outcome, before your first round.
Highlight cross-functional collaboration on your resume
Category buyers work closely with finance, operations, legal, and marketing. Showing that you influenced stakeholders outside procurement, not just executed purchase orders, signals readiness for roles where you will own a full category strategy rather than just transact.
Negotiate by anchoring on total cost of ownership
When an offer comes in, frame your counteroffer the way you would a supplier negotiation: reference market data, your category expertise, and the full value you bring. Hiring managers in procurement respect candidates who negotiate with structure and evidence rather than a simple ask for more.
Category Buyer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most category buyers?
The most active employers for category buyers right now are Applegreen, Perfetti Van Melle, and The Fresh Market, and the most openings are in New Jersey, Illinois, and Kentucky, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Retail, consumer goods, and healthcare organizations tend to maintain the highest ongoing demand for category buyers.
How many category buyer jobs are remote?
About 84% of category buyer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with availability varying by industry and seniority level. Strategic sourcing and indirect procurement roles tend to offer more remote flexibility than direct materials buying, which often requires proximity to manufacturing or distribution sites.
How do you become a category buyer?
Most category buyers start with a degree in supply chain, business, or a related field, then gain experience in purchasing, procurement coordination, or inventory management. From there, moving into a junior buyer or assistant buyer role gives you hands-on category ownership. Certifications such as the CPSM or CSCP can accelerate your path into more senior positions.
Can you get a category buyer job with little experience?
Entry-level buyer and assistant buyer roles are a realistic starting point if you have a relevant degree and can demonstrate analytical skills, attention to detail, and comfort working with suppliers or vendor data. Internships in procurement, retail buying, or supply chain operations are the most direct way to build a credible profile before applying to full buyer roles.
What does the category buyer interview process look like?
Most category buyer interviews run two to four rounds and include a phone or video screen with HR, a competency interview focused on sourcing scenarios and negotiation experience, and often a final round with a hiring manager or procurement director. Some employers add a case study or spend analysis exercise to assess how you approach a new category from scratch.
Where can I find and apply to category buyer jobs?
You can find and apply to category buyer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your category experience and location preferences, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 37 Category Buyer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Category Buyer Jobs