Productivity Buyer

As a Series Productivity Buyer, you are the owner of supplier performance and purchasing productivity in serial life—driving cost, quality, and delivery improvements across the plant.

This role combines supplier leadership and commercial ownership with a hands‑on plant presence. You will not only negotiate with suppliers and execute purchasing strategies, but also work directly in the plant to identify gaps, build action plans, and drive cross‑functional execution.

We are looking for someone who can connect plant realities with supplier actions—and push both internal teams and external partners to deliver results.

• Lead supplier cost reduction initiatives including TVO, VA/VE, resourcing, and negotiations
• Drive QCD performance (Quality, Cost, Delivery) across the supplier base
• Execute and support competitive resourcing, Make-or-Buy decisions, and supplier recoveries
• Negotiate pricing improvements, manage cost breakdowns, and support commodity strategies

• Own delivery of the plant purchasing budget and savings targets
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of productivity actions
• Monitor and report savings, forecasts, and supplier‑driven improvements
• Challenge both suppliers and internal stakeholders to meet financial expectations

• Translate plant issues into clear supplier actions and commercial strategies
• Work closely with PCL, Operations, Quality, and Engineering to align plant needs with supplier performance
• Ensure supplier accountability in resolving delivery, quality, and cost issues
• Spend time in the plant identifying inefficiencies and opportunities
• Build structured action plans and drive execution across functions
• Influence stakeholders and overcome resistance to implement change
• Lead or support supplier performance reviews and plant productivity reviews

• Lead purchasing activities related to ECRs, supplier transfers, and localization
• Support smooth transition from program launch into serial production
• Actively participate in program reviews and supplier selection input

• Experience in Plant Control Logistics (PCL), Material Planning, Master Scheduling, OR Purchasing within a plant environment
• 2+ years in automotive manufacturing (Tier 1 preferred)
• Proven track record of working with suppliers to drive measurable improvements
• Strong negotiation skills and understanding of cost structures and price drivers
• Experience with supplier management, resourcing, and performance recovery
• Ability to hold suppliers accountable while maintaining strong partnerships

• Ability to walk into a plant, identify gaps, and build actionable plans
• Strong cross‑functional leadership—able to drive alignment across Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance
• Comfortable pushing through resistance to deliver results

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business
• Exposure to cost analysis, dashboards, and productivity tracking tools

• Suppliers are performing—and when they’re not, you own the recovery plan
• Cost savings don’t sit on paper—you negotiate and realize them Plant issues are quickly translated into supplier‑facing actions
• You influence both suppliers and internal teams to deliver against commitments

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship of any kind, now or in the future

• At Forvia, you will find an engaging and dynamic environment where you can contribute to the development of sustainable mobility leading technologies.
• We are the seventh‑largest global automotive supplier, employing more than 157,000 people in more than 40 countries which makes a lot of opportunity for career development.
• We welcome energetic and agile people who can thrive in a fast‑changing environment. People who share our strong values. Team players with a collaborative mindset and a passion to deliver high standards for our clients. Lifelong learners. High performers. Globally minded people who aspire to work in a transforming industry,…