Purchasing Buyer

JOB DETAILS:

Job Title: Purchasing Buyer

Duration: 6 Months Contract (Potential Temp-to-Hire)

Location: Maumee, OH 43537

Shift: 1st Shift, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mon - Thurs (In Office) & Typically Friday is Remote

Role Overview:

We are seeking a Purchasing Buyer to support procurement and sourcing activities for automotive components and commodities. The ideal candidate will have direct buying experience in the automotive industry, strong supplier management skills, and the ability to work with cross-functional teams to drive cost savings and supply chain improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Formulate annual business plans for achievement of cost reductions and year-over-year performance improvement.
• Obtain and analyze quotes to determine best value, then recommend global sourcing solutions based on data and facts collected.
• Develop and explain commodity strategies. Follow and track strategies for basic commodities. Understand all aspects of commodity strategy templates. Utilize capability matrices to develop sourcing strategies.
• Provide proper documentation for sourcing reviews, including total landed cost analysis taking into account duty, freight, packaging, surcharge, payment terms, and other financial factors. Include understanding of supplier financial risk and sourcing considerations. Consistently utilize IPOs in quoting new business. Consider global spending for all suppliers.
• Maintain control of multiple projects to meet timing requirements and anticipate and resolve roadblocks for successful part PPAP and launch. Monitor technical review progress with cross-functional teams, ensure OISRs are updated, and track program milestones.
• Understand the financial and strategic impacts of negotiated agreements to optimize value and negotiate complex supplier issues with little to no supervision. Apply effective negotiation tactics to maximize leverage.
• Consistently send out and review complete RFQ packages and negotiate basic contract terms to support supplier agreements. Understand contract requirements, key negotiation points beyond price, and standard terms and conditions.
• Monitor supplier performance, review audit results, and escalate issues within the supplier's organization for resolution. Review corrective actions for sustained results. Hold regular performance review meetings with key stakeholders and measure compliance to agreements. Track savings projects and report accurate forecasts and actuals in the Savings Tracker. Understand supplier surcharge mechanisms.
• Work proactively with other departments to reduce inventory requirements.
• Manage the supply chain to ensure optimum workflows and actively remove non-value-added activities. Challenge the status quo and engage support from cross-functional teams. Recommend process improvements and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead Benchmarking, VA/VE, Lean, Resourcing, LPP analysis, and Value Stream Mapping events independently. Promote cost reduction activities with key suppliers and share best practices.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Engineering, or related field.
• 3 to 5 years of direct purchasing/buying experience.
• Automotive purchasing experience is required.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Experience with RFQs, supplier management, contract negotiations, and cost analysis.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Preferred Certifications/Experience:

• Professional Supply Chain certification (APICS, CPSM, or similar).
• Experience with supplier quality metrics and performance management.

Additional Information:

• Approximately 10% travel may be required.