Purchasing Expert

• General Summary: Support procurement for sourcing qualified suppliers for each part or assembly program and production plant in a timely manner to ensure trial and production orders while meeting our customers’ expectations and profitability for TBA. Leads tooling and supplier management activities including cost modeling, price review/reductions, economic adjustments, Engineering Change Instructions (ECI), and other purchasing elements for tooling related function.
• Essential Job Functions:

Review tooling cost breakdown data and assess details of supplier quotes

Provide ECI cost analysis for stamping tooling

Evaluate tooling costs on potential new programs

Create and maintain “Cost Models” for stamping and other miscellaneous tools

Set and maintain standards for tool evaluation

Assist other divisions in determining appropriate tooling costs

Work independently with production suppliers and PE group to ensure “Cost Models” are being met

Contact supply base for tool evaluation/negotiation

Visit supply base to evaluate capabilities and processes

Collaborate and assist with supplier evaluation process

Assist purchasing buyers with production tool evaluations

Support PE group with “in house” tool evaluations as needed

Support related drawing reviews with inter-departmental functions and suppliers

Development/enhancement of tooling cost standards database

Support supplier risk management activities including but not limited to:

• Support critical tool transition coordination of physical shipments
• Tooling failures—provide expert opinion of failure mode and countermeasure for recovery
• Tool disposal/refurbishments support buyers/suppliers to meet customer expectations
• Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:
  
  

Education

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager) designation is preferred but not required.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum Four (4 ) years working in technical tool management or related field for Tier I or Tier II automotive supplier-related company preferred, as well as understanding production tooling cost models
  
  

Personal/Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of the industrial equipment and manufacturing processes relating to plastics, metals, foam, and/or textiles.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of purchasing, manufacturing, production control, and/or materials management.
• Thorough understanding of company products, trade terminology, and quality management and control systems (e.g., TS-16949) and techniques.
• Ability to read components and assembly blueprints and drawings (including 2D/3D).
• Experience in sourcing component parts or raw materials from drawings.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, multicultural work environment.
• Ability to function both independently and with good judgment in a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work efficiently within time constraints and deadlines
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong organization, planning, and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate and work well with all levels of the organization.
  
  

Language Skills

• Ability to clearly and concisely communicate complex information in verbal and written English.
• Japanese and/or Spanish would be helpful.
  
  

Computer/Software

• Previous experience working with integrated computer programs and/or applications. ERP System experience (e.g., Oracle) preferred.
• Solid working knowledge and demonstrated intermediate level experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS PowerPoint, Lotus Notes/Outlook, Internet, etc.).
• Work Environment/Conditions:
  
  

Office: Open Office Environment, moderate noise level.

Plant: N/A

Travel: Must be willing to travel at least 25% of the time in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the team member is required to talk, see, and hear. The team member must be capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time. May be occasionally required to lift to 30 pounds. Ability to sit and work on a computer for extensive periods of time is required. Travel long distances by plane or automobile (sometimes with short notice).
  
  

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to identify the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification, as well as certain essential job functions. It is not intended, and should not be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of team members assigned to this job. To qualify for this job, however, a team member must be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Under no circumstances may this job description be construed as altering the at-will nature of the employment relationship between TBA and any team member.

EOE