Buyer

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Lead Requests for Quotation (RFQs), supplier selection, and strategic sourcing activities for assigned commodities.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers in partnership with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supplier Quality.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, lead times, payment terms, and supply agreements to achieve cost and operational objectives.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships that support quality, delivery, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Create, issue, manage, and expedite purchase orders to ensure uninterrupted material availability.
• Monitor supplier performance and proactively resolve delivery, quality, and capacity issues.
• Support supplier development activities to ensure successful achievement of program milestones and production readiness.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, Program Management, and Quality to support prototype builds, new product introductions (NPI), engineering changes, and production schedules.
• Analyze demand requirements and identify supply chain risks, implementing mitigation plans to minimize disruptions.
• Support supplier capacity planning and long-term sourcing strategies aligned with business growth.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, supplier records, pricing, and contracts within the ERP system.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, quality standards, export control requirements (when applicable), and ethical sourcing practices.
• Prepare purchasing metrics, supplier scorecards, and reports for management review.
• Drive cost reduction, process improvement, and supplier performance initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered
• Minimum of 3 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
• Automotive, battery, electronics, or advanced manufacturing purchasing experience strongly preferred
• Experience managing RFQs, supplier negotiations, and purchase order execution
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, and supplier management
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems; Microsoft Dynamics experience preferred
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Preferred

• Experience supporting new product launches and engineering development programs
• Knowledge of lithium-ion battery systems, power electronics, electrical systems, or renewable energy technologies
• Experience working with global suppliers and international sourcing
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, supplier quality processes, and automotive manufacturing standards
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPIM, or CSCP are a plus