Direct Materials Technical Buyer Location: Greenville, SC Technical level 5 Summary/Purpose: This is the Experienced Level of Technical Buyer position. The employee will perform a full range of professional buyer assignments in a full functioning capacity. This individual will be required to make independent data driven decisions on assigned projects that could and will have significant impact on the entire business. Guidelines may be available, but individual will be required to adapt and interpret the appropriate course of action. Role will be focused on forgings, stampings, and services.Essential Duties and Accountabilities: This individual can and will at times be required to lead Purchasing Projects that could impact multiple JNA Facilities.Develop “Should Be Cost” of components within their assigned commodity. This will involve a thorough understanding of component cost drivers, commodity market intelligence (related to labor costs, material costs, etc.).The purpose/goal is for this individual to be able to estimate what we should be paying for a component.The individual is to have an advanced ability to read drawings.The individual will be responsible for the creation, issuance, and evaluation of Supplier Request for Quotation (RFQ) packages.The individual will be required to become familiar with the main cost drivers of his/her commodities and communicate internally within JTEKT/Koyo this information to ensure optimum designs are released at the time of sourcing decision.The individual will be responsible to research and understand market trends, create a Benchmark on assigned commodities, create a Make –vs- Buy analysis, and understand the impact of technology on the product.Based upon the individual’s evaluation of market trends, technology trends, forecasts, etc. this individual will be responsible for the creation of Commodity Strategy for their Key Commodities (format will be provided).The individual will be responsible to evaluate commodity and suppliers to determine what type of agreement is required with each supplier and then to draft, negotiate, and implement the decided level of the contract.Identify cost reduction activities from the beginning of the product design stage, through the production life of the product purchased.The individual will be required to lead negotiations with suppliers to accomplish the Should Be/Target pricing he or she has determined to be market competitive for component piece price, tooling cost, etc.This individual can and will at times be required to support other Buyers in the development of negotiation strategies as well as provide support during the actual face to face supplier negotiations.Support the Supplier Advancement Engineer in VA/VE and Kaizen supplier workshops by defining cost reduction targets and negotiating cost sharing rules with suppliers.Be responsible for the overall performance of his/her suppliers and their Quality, Cost and Delivery performance.The individual will be responsible for the management of Supplier Risk as well as Quarterly reporting of KPIs to each Key Supplier and will be responsible for the overall performance of his/her suppliers and their Quality, Cost and Delivery performance.The individual will be required to generate a map of Supplier Processes including Bekido and Chokko rates at time of quotation as well a follow up at a later date to confirm quoted rates are actually occurring.Work daily overtime and Saturdays and/or Sundays when directed by immediate supervisor or, as necessary, to complete essential job duties.Perform other duties as assigned.Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to manage project(s).Ability to identify key purchasing related issues, and then apply problem-solving skills to creatively resolve complex procurement related issues.Ability to understand and anticipate technical issues in order to interface internally within JTEKT/Koyo and with suppliers to implement corrective actions at the earliest possible stage.Ability to function successfully with considerable latitude and require technical guidance only on unusual complex problems or issues.Ability to work in a participative management environment and maintain a drive for accomplishment of responsibilities.Strong PC skills, including proficiency with Excel, Word and Access.Superior communication skills, both verbal and written will be required as communication with both Purchasing and Company Senior Management will occur. Ability to travel, with little or no notice.Basic knowledge of applicable quality, health, safety, and environmental management systems.Professional certification is a plus, but not required.Education and Experience: Minimum Bachelor’s Degree - Business or Engineering related 3 Years Purchasing Experience - preferably in automotive industryWork Environment/Physical Demands: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is mostly performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards, and with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment. The performance of this position may occasionally require exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection. Travel by automobile and plane required and could be as high as 20% of time worked. Employee may perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned.