Commodity Buyer – Metals

IN DEMAND Recruitment & Consulting Inc.is currently assisting our client in their search for an experienced COMMIDITY BUYER – METALS to support purchasing activities across multiple automotive manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico.

Based in Novi, Michigan
, this role will have responsibility for metal commodities supporting the Novi operation as well as two manufacturing facilities in Mexico
.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced automotive purchasing professional who brings strong knowledge of steel, aluminum, stamping and forging
, enjoys negotiating with suppliers, and understands the importance of balancing cost, quality, delivery and continuity of supply within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Reporting to the Regional Purchasing Director
, the Commodity Buyer will manage supplier relationships, lead commercial negotiations, support cost-reduction initiatives and work cross-functionally with Quality, Logistics, Finance and Project teams to ensure purchasing strategies support plant and business objectives.

As the Commodity Buyer – Metals, you will take ownership of assigned metal commodities and supplier relationships while supporting multiple manufacturing locations.

You will:

• Manage purchasing activities for steel, aluminum, stamping, forging and related metal commodities
  .
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, including day-to-day communication, commercial discussions and issue resolution.
• Lead negotiations involving pricing, payment terms, delivery conditions and commercial agreements within established corporate guidelines.
• Ensure continuity of supply to support production requirements across assigned manufacturing facilities.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance across quality, cost, delivery and overall performance (QCDP).
• Identify supplier performance issues and drive corrective or improvement actions when required.
• Support and implement cost-reduction and purchasing improvement initiatives
  .
• Partner with suppliers and internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for commercial and operational improvements.
• Work closely with Quality, Logistics, Finance and Project teams to support smooth plant operations and program execution.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with established corporate purchasing processes, policies and standards.
• Support regional and corporate purchasing strategies while addressing the day-to-day needs of the manufacturing operations.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Engineering or a related discipline
  .
• Minimum 5 years of purchasing experience within the automotive industry
  .
• Strong knowledge and purchasing experience involving metal commodities and associated supply markets
  .
• Experience with steel, aluminum, stamping and/or forging strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated supplier relationship and supply-base management experience.
• Strong negotiation and contract management capabilities.
• Experience evaluating and improving supplier performance related to quality, cost and delivery.
• Strong commercial judgment with a demonstrated focus on cost reduction and operational performance.
• Proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office
  .
• Strong communication, collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills with the perseverance to resolve complex supplier and supply-chain issues.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Results-oriented mindset with a strong understanding of QCDP – Quality, Cost, Delivery and Performance
  .

The ideal candidate is a hands-on automotive Commodity Buyer who understands metals and knows how to manage suppliers in a demanding manufacturing environment
.

You are equally comfortable negotiating commercial terms with suppliers, addressing an urgent production supply issue, analyzing supplier performance, and working with plant and corporate stakeholders on longer-term purchasing strategies.

Most importantly, you understand that purchasing within automotive manufacturing goes beyond obtaining the lowest price. You know how to balance commercial performance,…