What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Manager position at DRiV?
JOB TITLE: Purchasing Manager – Shocks
WORK ARRANGEMENT: Onsite Southfield/Skokie
Job Summary
This role owns global purchasing management for shocks , including strategy execution, supplier selection, commercial negotiations, cost reduction, NPI, launch support, supplier performance management, and supply risk control.
Job Responsibilities
- Execute sourcing strategies for shock absorbers, struts, mounts, and related ride control / suspension components supporting global business requirements.
- Lead RFQ activity, supplier selection, cost breakdown analysis, quotation comparison, and sourcing recommendations in alignment with quality, delivery, and profitability goals.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, tooling, minimum order quantities, lead times, logistics terms, and annual productivity targets within delegated authority.
- Manage supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, capacity, responsiveness, and corrective action closure.
- Partner with engineering, quality, operations, customer service, planning, and finance teams on product launches, quoting activity, engineering changes, and supply continuity.
- Support APQP/PPAP readiness, program timing, and supplier industrialization for new product launches and ongoing production programs.
- Identify cost savings and total cost improvements through resourcing, localization, VA/VE initiatives, dual sourcing, and process optimization.
- Monitor raw material, freight, tariff, foreign exchange, and supplier capacity trends to proactively assess commodity risk and market movement.
- Resolve shortages, expedites, quality claims, and commercial escalations while maintaining accurate purchasing records, supplier data, and management reporting in ERP / sourcing tools.
- Support the Company’s mission, vision, values and goals in performance of daily activities
- Assures compliance with federal, state, local and corporate policies, regulations and laws.
- Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures (ex. Quality Policy Manual, Colleague Handbook, Level II Procedures etc.)
Education
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree / Masters preferred in related field
Experience
- 10 years of automotive purchasing management experience
- Team leadership and management
- Experience in shock absorbers, struts, suspension, chassis preferred
Requirements/Certifications
- Strong commercial negotiation skills and proven cost reduction capability
- Reporting and presenting skills
- Ability to analyze raw material drivers, tooling, freight, and total cost of ownership
- ERP / MRP proficiency plus strong Excel and PowerPoint skills
- Fluent English communication skills; Spanish or Mandarin preferred
- CPS M certification preferred
Physical Demands
- Prolonged computer and desk work
- Ability to participate in plant walks and supplier site visits
- Ability to travel as required for business needs
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability