What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Buyer position at Optimal Inc.?
Buyer
Location: Plymouth, MI
Company: Optimal-EV
Employment Type: Full-Time
Start: Immediate / ASAP
About Optimal-EV
Optimal-EV is an innovative electric vehicle manufacturer focused on developing and producing next-generation electric shuttle buses and mobility solutions. We are seeking an experienced Buyer to join our team in Plymouth, Michigan and support our growing manufacturing and purchasing operations.
Position Summary
The Buyer will be responsible for purchasing a broad range of materials, components, parts, and services required to support Optimal-EV's manufacturing and engineering operations.
The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of purchasing experience in an automotive supplier, manufacturing, or small-to-mid-sized business environment. We are particularly interested in candidates who have broad purchasing experience and have been involved with multiple types of materials, components, suppliers, and purchasing activities.
Experience with NetSuite is preferred but not required.
Key Responsibilities
Manage day-to-day purchasing activities for production, engineering, and operational requirements.
Purchase a variety of materials, components, parts, and services needed to support manufacturing operations.
Create and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate pricing, quantities, specifications, and delivery requirements.
Identify and evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and capability.
Request and evaluate supplier quotes and negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms.
Communicate directly with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, delivery schedules, quality concerns, and other purchasing matters.
Monitor open purchase orders and proactively address late or delayed deliveries.
Work closely with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to understand material requirements, specifications, and timing.
Review BOMs, part numbers, material requirements, and other purchasing information.
Coordinate with suppliers to ensure materials are available when needed to support production schedules.
Partner with Quality and suppliers to resolve material and supplier-related issues.
Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, and purchase order data.
Support supplier onboarding and maintain strong supplier relationships.
Monitor material availability and help prevent production shortages.
Identify opportunities for cost savings and improved purchasing efficiency.
Support inventory and material planning activities.
Assist with developing and maintaining supplier performance metrics.
Ensure purchasing activities follow company policies and established processes.
Take ownership of purchasing issues and drive them through resolution.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Operations, Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of purchasing, buying, procurement, or related experience.
Experience working in an automotive supplier, manufacturing company, or small-to-mid-sized business environment.
Strong understanding of purchasing processes, supplier management, purchase orders, pricing, lead times, and material requirements.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple purchasing categories, suppliers, and components.
Strong negotiation, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and take ownership of purchasing activities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with NetSuite or another ERP/MRP system.
Automotive manufacturing or automotive supplier experience.
Experience purchasing a broad range of mechanical, electrical, fabricated, machined, or other manufacturing components.
Experience working with engineering drawings, BOMs, part numbers, and material specifications.
Experience with supplier cost negotiations and cost-reduction initiatives.
Experience supporting new product development or production launches.
Knowledge of EV manufacturing and/or electric vehicle components is a plus.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are looking for a hands-on Buyer who has broad exposure to purchasing and understands how purchasing decisions directly impact manufacturing operations.
Candidates coming from automotive suppliers, contract manufacturers, or small-to-mid-sized manufacturing companies are strongly preferred because these environments typically provide broader exposure to different commodities, suppliers, components, and purchasing activities.
The ideal candidate should be comfortable wearing multiple hats, working directly with suppliers, supporting Engineering and Manufacturing, resolving material shortages, negotiating pricing, and taking ownership from purchase order placement through delivery.
Hiring Timeline
This is an immediate hiring need, and we are looking to fill this position ASAP. We are prepared to interview qualified candidates throughout next week and move quickly with the right candidate.