Commodity Buyer – Direct Materials

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is looking for a Commodity Buyer – Direct Materials to join our Purchasing team in the Tuscaloosa area. This is an opportunity to play a key role in sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, cost management, and new program support within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

As a Tier 1 automotive supplier, we work closely with major automotive customers and leading suppliers to deliver high-quality products on time and at a competitive cost. In this role, you will have the opportunity to directly influence purchasing decisions, supplier performance, and the overall competitiveness of our business.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute commodity and supplier strategies for assigned direct-material categories.
• Analyze markets, supplier capabilities, pricing, and cost trends to identify sourcing opportunities.
• Lead RFQs, bid comparisons, supplier evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
• Select and manage suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and technical capability.
• Lead supplier negotiations to achieve competitive pricing and favorable commercial terms.
• Develop cost estimates and support budget planning for new projects and ongoing business.
• Identify and drive cost-reduction, supplier consolidation, and purchasing synergy opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and business partners.
• Monitor supplier performance and help resolve quality, delivery, cost, capacity, and service issues.
• Initiate and monitor supplier development and continuous improvement activities.
• Support new program and project purchasing activities from sourcing through launch.
• Participate in cross-functional teams with Engineering, Quality, Logistics, Finance, Program Management, and Operations.
• Monitor supplier pricing, timing, commitments, and other commercial requirements for awarded projects.
• Drive achievement of established purchasing savings and cost-reduction targets.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, sourcing, and project information.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, procedures, and applicable quality requirements.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Economics, Materials Management, Purchasing, or a related field preferred.
• At least 3 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in an automotive or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with direct materials or commodities such as resin, plastics, molded components, decorated products, interior components, exterior components, or similar materials preferred.
• Experience working with national and international suppliers preferred.
• Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to analyze quotations, costs, market conditions, and sourcing opportunities.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• SAP or other ERP experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support suppliers and business requirements.

Benefits

• 120 hours of PTO
• 32 hours of unplanned PTO
• 11 paid holidays
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Benefits-eligible employees may enroll in health, dental, and vision coverage effective the first of the month following their date of hire.

Why Join SMP?

At SMP Automotive Systems Alabama, you'll be part of a global automotive organization where Passion for Excellence, Accountability, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork, and Integrity are at the center of how we work.

This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of assigned commodities, build meaningful supplier relationships, contribute to new vehicle programs, and directly impact the cost and competitiveness of our operation.

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama area
Department: Purchasing
Reports To: Regional Purchasing Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and are committed to providing an environment where employees can contribute, grow, and succeed.