What are the responsibilities and job description for the Regional Purchasing Manager - Indirect Materials position at SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc?
Regional Purchasing Manager – Indirect Materials
Position Description
Are you proud to be a part of something? Do you have the determination to provide quality work? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? Are you ready to be a part of a team?
SMP Automotive System Alabama Inc. develops and manufactures plastic parts and highly integrated modules for the automotive industry. They company is a member of the Motherson Group, one of the 22 largest automotive suppliers worldwide. We invite you to view some of our products at: www.smp-automotive.com/en.
SMP is a unique company that solicits and values employee contributions and involvement and invests in employee development in preparation for the challenges of the automotive supply industry. For prospective team members who possess values, are passionate about what they do and want to truly make a difference, joining our company can be a life-changing opportunity.
We are looking for a talented Regional Purchasing Manager – Indirect Materials to join our growing team. A Regional Purchasing Manager – Indirect Materials is responsible for strategically managing the procurement of indirect materials and services, from critical suppliers to support operations, ensuring cost efficiency, supplier performance, and alignment with production and corporate sustainability goals.
What you will be responsible for:
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for indirect commodities aligned with automotive production needs and global procurement policies.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams in supplier selection, contract negotiations, and implementation of cost-saving initiatives.
- Monitor and manage supplier performance, ensuring compliance with quality, delivery, and service standards.
- Collaborate with plant operations, engineering, maintenance, and IT departments to forecast demand and optimize procurement planning.
- Market analysis and benchmarking, completing bid comparisons, and coordination for order processing.
- Selection of high-quality suppliers to develop long term strategic partnerships to reduce the number of suppliers in the existing base
- Follow established procurement process and identify opportunities to improve supply base and overall budgeted operational costs
- Identify synergy potentials within the region including other Motherson divisions.
- Preparation of purchasing strategies after consultation with specialist departments
- Lead negotiations of supplier contracts and agreements
- Identify and mitigate supplier risks to Operations
- Preparation/completion of the necessary contract documents
- Awarding contracts, in accordance with existing corporate policies
- Data mining and ad hoc analysis to support strong development of supplier strategies
- Development and maintenance of supplier relationships
- Processing of complaints from escalation level
- Initiation and monitoring of supplier development measures and performance
- Commitment to achieving the savings targets and responsible for the corresponding continuous improvement programs in the context of purchasing goals
- Lead meetings (internal/external) to obtain required information to drive and track status of projects to support cost improvement and plant efficiencies
- Complete other duties as assigned.
What will you bring to the table (Skills/Experience Required):
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
- 5–7 years of experience in indirect procurement within the automotive or manufacturing industry.
- Familiarity with automotive industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 14001).
- Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, or Lean Six Sigma are advantageous.
- Deep understanding of indirect categories relevant to automotive operations: MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations), tooling, facility services, IT hardware/software, logistics services, and capital equipment.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred) and e-sourcing tools.
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier development skills.
- Ability to analyze total cost of ownership (TCO) and drive cost-reduction initiatives.
- Knowledge of sustainability practices and supplier diversity programs in the automotive supply chain.
- English language skills
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Necessary Attributes:
Must possess our Core Values: Passion for Excellence, Accountability, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork and Integrity
What will you enjoy from working with us?
- 120 hours of PTO and 32 hours of unplanned PTO (sick) time per year
- 11 paid Holidays
- 401k with company match (100% on 1st 3% and 50% in 4-5%)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical & Prescription Plans (Pick from 2 plans)
- MetLife Dental (Pick from 2 plans)
- MetLife Vision
- Voluntary Life Insurance Policies for Team Member & Family
- 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance Policy for Team Member and their families
- 100% Employer Paid Short Term Disability
- 100% Employer Paid Long Term Disability
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Legal Plan
- Paid Volunteer Time (Charity)
- ADP LifeMart Discounts for Team Members
- EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
- Safety Shoe Allotment
- Prescription Safety Glasses Allotment
- Team Wear Allotment
- Recognition for your hard work and achievements!
- Opportunity for new challenges! We are growing!
- Paid training
If you can demonstrate your extraordinary successes in the areas above, then we would love to hear from you! Please gather your resume, along with a summary of your successes referencing the questions above and apply at www.smp-automotive.com/en.
Offers are contingent upon passing all background and drug screen.
