Strategic Buyer - Automotive Components

Travel Requirement: 40% Domestic and International Travel

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Commodity Buyer to join a dynamic manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing supplier relationships for turbocharger components and related manufacturing materials. The Commodity Buyer will focus on cost optimization, supplier performance, quality, and on-time delivery while supporting strategic sourcing initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing procurement, supplier negotiations, and commodity management, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with domestic and international suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Source and purchase turbocharger components and production materials, including components in the pre-PPAP stage.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives to improve cost, quality, and supplier performance.
• Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs), evaluate supplier proposals, and make sourcing recommendations.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers.
• Identify and implement annual cost-reduction opportunities for assigned commodities.
• Make tactical and strategic purchasing decisions aligned with operational requirements.

Supplier Management & Development

• Manage assigned supplier relationships, including evaluations, audits, approvals, onboarding, and performance reviews.
• Conduct supplier visits and assessments to ensure compliance with quality, delivery, and cost expectations.
• Support or lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities for assigned suppliers and commodities.
• Monitor supplier performance and address issues involving quality, pricing, delivery, and service.
• Maintain accurate supplier records, pricing information, and process changes within procurement databases.
• Participate in global sourcing initiatives and collaborate with international purchasing teams.

Purchasing Operations & Cross-Functional Support

• Monitor purchase orders, supplier commitments, and delivery schedules to ensure timely material availability.
• Collaborate with Production Control, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Accounting to resolve supplier-related issues.
• Review and approve supplier invoices and resolve pricing or payment discrepancies.
• Analyze purchasing data, supplier performance, and supply chain trends to prepare management reports.
• Provide backup support for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) purchasing activities.
• Assist with customer tooling database management as needed.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within purchasing and supply chain operations.
• Perform additional purchasing-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or commodity management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, problem-solving, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Must be willing and able to travel approximately 40% of the time, both domestically and internationally.
• Must possess a valid passport and be eligible for international business travel.
• Flexibility to work overtime or weekends when business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of purchasing or commodity management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience sourcing castings, machined components, stampings, fasteners, and electronic components.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes, supplier quality requirements, and PPAP/APQP procedures.
• Experience with SAP procurement or purchasing modules.
• IATF Supplier Auditor Certification or familiarity with IATF 16949 quality standards.
• Experience working with international suppliers and global sourcing teams.
• Japanese or Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to work in a professional office and manufacturing environment.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and move throughout office and production facilities as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Willingness to visit supplier facilities and travel for extended periods when necessary.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a proactive, results-driven purchasing professional with a strong understanding of manufacturing supply chains, supplier development, and cost management. This individual should be comfortable negotiating with suppliers, managing multiple commodities, and collaborating with domestic and international teams to achieve purchasing and operational objectives.