Position Overview: 

The Buyer - Technical Specialist is the technical and commercial liaison between Operations, Quality, Engineering, and local suppliers for complex engineered components. This role works in alignment with Global Sourcing strategies to qualify new parts and new suppliers. Additionally, the Buyer – Technical Specialist works continuously with responsible suppliers to improve Lead-time, On-time delivery, and Quality and to implement any corrective actions resulting from a Non-Conformance (NCR).

General Duties and Responsibilities:

 Procurement

• Ensure system data integrity through daily maintenance of purchasing data, including supplier pricing agreements, purchase part, supplier for purchase part, order acknowledgments, and supplier master data.
• Place Purchase Orders according to ERP-generated Purchase requisitions. Care should be taken to ensure that the current revision level is referenced and that requisition quantities are still reasonable and desired. 
• Address promptly receiving issues to avoid an interruption of the supply chain.
• Process invoice posting approvals including requesting credits. 
• Ensure and monitor timely delivery of parts for production while maintaining optimal inventory levels.
• Provide key suppliers with regularly forecasted requirements to confirm capacity and delivery capabilities.
• Identify and implement cost-saving actions through make-versus-buy analyses, supplier collaborations, alternative sourcing methods, and stepped pricing based on release/order/annual volumes.
• Review and track supplier ratings monthly and quarterly with Purchasing, Sourcing, and the Supplier.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers and internal functions such as Planning, Sourcing, Production, Quality Control, and Engineering.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 Sourcing/ Vendor Management

• Work with Deublin Global Strategic Sourcing Department to identify and qualify potential suppliers for responsible categories at the local plant level. 
• Champion global Deublin sourcing strategies and Hoerbiger corporate initiatives locally, e.g. RoHS, ESG, and Conflict-Mineral topics.
• Perform regular ongoing supplier visits to review and validate supplier’s capacity (e.g. Run@Rate), internal quality control, and general business viability. These visits focus on proactive collaboration to identify new sourcing, savings, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Manage the local introduction of complex engineered components by applying Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) processes consistently. This also includes facilitating meetings with the supplier, Engineering, and Quality to ensure the success of the PPAP.
• Attend daily Material Review Board (MRB) and coordinate communication, replenishment, and corrective actions for non-conformances with relevant parties. Record actions and decisions in ERP according to DIN-ISO 9001 requirements.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Ability to read and interpret drawings and engineering specifications.
• Ability to solve problems creatively and professionally using hard data. This includes the ability to calculate price discounts, material requirements, percentage changes, and similar accurately and quickly.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both oral and written form.

Education and/or Experience:

• BA/BS degree with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience in a manufacturing environment. A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Supply Chain is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical/negotiation skills with a proven track record in supplier management and negotiations.
• In-depth knowledge of product and manufacturing processes, methodologies, and inspection techniques. Direct experience with the Toyota Production System (TPS) is Preferred. 
• ISM (CPSM) or ASCM (CPIM) certification is preferred.
• Six Sigma certification; Greenbelt or higher is preferred. 

 Physical Demands: Usual office working conditions.

 Up to 20% local travel.

Hybrid schedule

And other great perks!

Note: This position is not eligible for sponsorship.