Buyer

Buyer

Daily management of new model supplier selection and implementation process. Research and provide costs for internal estimates. Support of a variety of new model processes, such as Non-Production Component Requisition (NPCR), Advance Product Quality Planning (APQP), New Model Review (NMR), and Quality Assurance Validation (QAV).

Daily management of new model supplier process by selecting suppliers, negotiation of final costs and timing, new supplier "kick-off," coordination with suppliers to meet APQP timelines, and developing / executing the commodity strategy (Value-added / Value-engineered (VA/VE), Localization, New Supplier Additions, etc.), and support of NMR & QAV activities for assigned commodities. Research and provide costs for internal estimates on an ongoing basis; Select suppliers for each bid evaluation., and review submitted quotes / provide best quotes to Cost Planning personnel. Daily support of NPCR process for assigned commodities by providing lists of suppliers to Associate Buyer and monitoring costs for reasonableness. Weekly support of Sanoh APQP process by attending assigned APQP meetings and communicating status of follow-up items; Participation in Purchasing New Model Review – follow up on action items as assigned. Seek and suggest areas for cost improvement by evaluating data and making suggestions on tasks both within and outside of work area monthly. Effective participation (manage assignments, report status, etc.) in a variety of meetings, such as the monthly divisional meeting, weekly APQP meetings, weekly new model review meeting, and daily departmental assignments review. Daily support of plants' quality and delivery – related issues.

Bachelor's Degree in a Business or Technical field, or the equivalent experience, is required. A minimum of 5 years' practical experience in a Purchasing, APQP, or similar discipline is required. Automotive industry experience is strongly preferred.

Above average understanding and skills in Purchasing / sourcing / commodities. Above average data collection and analysis skills. Above average negotiation skills. Average Excel spreadsheet / data manipulation skills. Above average organizational abilities, with ability to manage multiple and changing priorities. Above average interpersonal skills. Above average written and verbal communication skills.

Determines the best quotes and provides them to the Estimating group. If the cost information is not valid / accurate, we may either underestimate the true production cost (profit goes down) or overestimate costs (may not get the business at all). Evaluates and chooses which suppliers we will choose to request quotes from. If the decisions are not effective, the result could be that we choose a supplier that is not able to meet expectations in terms of cost, specifications, or capacity. The result could be higher costs, less profit, and loss of future business. Determines cost-reduction strategies, including changes of suppliers. If implementation is not effective, we may either not realize the expected cost improvements or we may end up causing new problems. The result could be lower profits, a "domino effect" of problems throughout the system (including multiple plants / processes), and loss of trust (and new business) from our customers.

Second-floor, open office work environment. Low probability of physical harm to associates in this environment. Must be able to climb one flight of stairs several times a day due to frequency of work and meeting schedules. Periodically requires long time periods of keyboarding