Buyer, Business

Goal of the Working Position

Responsible for sourcing and procuring materials and services to support operations. This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates commercial terms, and ensures material availability, cost competitiveness, and quality performance while supporting production and new program launches.

• Source and procure production and indirect materials in accordance with company requirements.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations, EFQs, pricing proposals, and commercial terms.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, tooling costs, and supplier agreements.
• Issue and maintain purchase orders while ensuring accuracy of pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to support quality, delivery, cost, and service objectives.
• Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and responsiveness.
• Identify and evaluate alternative suppliers to support business continuity and supply chain stability.
• Lead cost reduction and value improvement initiatives through supplier negotiations and souring strategies.
• Analyze purchasing data, supplier performance, and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Support annual budgeting and cost tracking activities for purchased material.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost, quality, delivery, and operational efficiency.

• Support new product launches through supplier sourcing, quotation analysis, and procurement activities.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Manufacturing teams during launch activities.
• Support APQP, PPAP, engineering change implementation, and launch readiness activities as required.
• Assist in ensuring supplier readiness to support program timing and production requirements.

• Maintain accurate purchasing records, sourcing documentation, supplier agreements, and reporting metrics within the ERP system.
• Prepare purchasing reports, cost analyses, and supplier performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, customer requirements, and applicable automotive industry standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of pricing, supplier agreements, and other sensitive business information.

Experience in one or more of the following commodity groups is preferred:

• Interior trim components
• Instrument panels and door panels
• Soft trim materials, fabrics, leather, and foam
• Injection molded plastic components
• Interior electronics and switches

• Strong understanding of purchasing, procurement, and supply chain management principles.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and automotive industry requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• ERP/MRP system experience required; SAP experience preferred.

• Minimum 3-5 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to access manufacturing, warehouse, nd suppler facilities as required.