Parts Development Manager – Interior & Exterior

Purchasing & Parts Development Manager, Interior & Exterior One of the Southeast's most technologically advanced automotive manufacturers to find a Purchasing & Parts Development Manager for Interior & Exterior. At this growing coastal Georgia EV operation, the interior and exterior parts on every vehicle start with the suppliers you choose and the launches you drive. You'll own sourcing and supplier development for interior and exterior commodities, lead a team of buyers, and take parts from the first RFQ through mass production.

Why this role This plant is building its supply base, so the suppliers you select and develop shape what comes off the line. You'll work closely with Engineering, Quality and Production, run your commodities through a global parts development process, and have room to shape how your team works. About The Opportunity An automotive manufacturer in coastal Georgia, expanding an advanced EV plant, is seeking an experienced purchasing and parts development leader to source, develop and launch interior and exterior parts with its supply base.

The role works with Engineering (R&D), Quality and Production Planning, and with suppliers from the first bid through mass production. Position Summary The Purchasing & Parts Development Manager, Interior & Exterior selects, develops and manages the supply base for assigned interior and exterior commodities, and owns sourcing, pricing and launch readiness from development through mass production. Success in this role comes from strong supplier negotiation, a working knowledge of interior and exterior manufacturing processes, and the ability to lead a team of buyers.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand program sourcing and key milestones in support of vehicle launch.
• Identify potential suppliers, analyze capabilities, determine price, and select suppliers with Engineering and other teams.
• Prepare and own RFIs, RFPs and RFQs for multi-year, full-production volume, including bid packages, bidder conferences, proposal evaluation, negotiation and supplier recommendations.
• Administer resulting contracts, negotiate long-term agreements and maintain best-in-class pricing.
• Lead cost reduction, and negotiate piece price and tooling cost to achieve target vehicle cost.
• Assess supplier core competencies and cost competitiveness using should-cost models, and guide final supplier selection.
• Guide suppliers through the established parts development process, from sourcing to mass production.
• Develop and achieve target quality at each milestone, and set improvement plans and countermeasures for problem parts and suppliers.
• Drive launches at supplier sites through ISIR (PPAP), responding quickly to delivery, cost and quality issues.
• Hold working-level meetings with suppliers for fast issue closure and relationship development.
• Develop purchasing strategies with Engineering, Quality, Production and other teams.
• Monitor and help prevent supply chain disruptions to the plant.
• Maintain an up-to-date supply base information database.
• Hire, develop, train and manage a team of buyers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Management, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting or a related field from an accredited university.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong command of written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience.
• Automotive experience in purchasing, APQP, PPAP, supplier development or engineering, launch, or program management.
• Experience with an automotive OEM or a major commodity supplier.
• Manufacturing process experience such as injection molding, press, stamping, die casting, welding, assembly, paint, chroming and other surface treatments, foaming, cut and sew,…