Buyer

Buyer Job Description Summary Dauch is looking for a Buyer to join our team in Detroit, MI. This is a hybrid role located at our World Headquarters. The Buyer is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing process to support Dauch manufacturing facilities. This includes request for quotation, evaluation of bids, cost breakdown analysis, negotiation, supplier evaluation, sourcing recommendation, and contracting. This role ensures cost-effective sourcing while maintaining quality and delivery standards in line with Tier 1 automotive supplier requirements. This individual will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, sales, program management, finance, and suppliers to optimize the supply chain and support new product launches. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who takes initiative, can work independently, identifies what needs to be done, prioritizes, and completes tasks efficiently and timely. They should also have excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills, as well as a high degree of planning and organization skills. Preferred qualifications include: Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent; familiarity with cost drivers, cost breakdown analysis, and cost models; experience collaborating with international suppliers, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia; and intermediate to advanced level computer skills required including strong Excel skills (Pivot Tables, V‑Lookups). Job Description Contract Management: Executes contract and PO life cycle management activities, such as reporting for expiring or aged POs and execution of PO administration within various regions, clean-up, and line closure. Coordinates with suppliers and business partners to resolve routine issues such as past‑due POs, match exceptions, discrepancies with freight charges and freight billings, cost recoveries, price/invoice issue resolution, updating/incrementing POs, etc. Sourcing & Procurement: Executes the Global Strategy with the approved supply base, consolidating strategic suppliers while reducing costs, maintaining quality and performance standards. Cost Analysis: Analyzes supplier cost structures and market trends to identify opportunities for cost reductions. Financial Budgeting & Forecasting: Contributes to annual procurement budget development process and submit monthly forecasts to finance team. Negotiation: Conducts cost and price negotiations and establishes long‑term agreements with suppliers to deliver the highest value materials that meet cost, quality, and delivery requirements and drive cost savings and supplier performance improvements. Supplier Management: Develops and manages relationships with suppliers to ensure quality, cost competitiveness, and on‑time delivery. VA/VE & Cost Savings initiatives: Supports and drives VA/VE initiatives to improve competitiveness of category spend to meet or exceed budget and business plan targets. Technical Support: Leads technical sourcing reviews with supply base, systems engineering, component engineering and supplier quality engineering contacts to close out all issues and ensure cross‑functional support of sourcing recommendations. Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates risks in the supply chain, including material shortages, price fluctuations, and geopolitical factors. Logistics & Inventory Management: Coordinates with suppliers and logistics teams to ensure efficient inventory levels and prevent supply disruptions. Quality & Compliance: Works with Quality and Engineering teams to ensure supplier compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and other Dauch and industry standards. New Product Development Support: Collaborates on sourcing strategies for new business programs to ensure timely supplier sourcing and readiness. Continuous Improvement: Implements process improvements to enhance supply chain efficiency and cost‑effectiveness. Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Works with internal teams (engineering, manufacturing, finance) to align procurement strategies with company objectives. All other duties as assigned. Required Skills and Education Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or other related field. 2-5+ years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or procurement within the automotive industry or related manufacturing industry. Thorough knowledge of industry purchasing policies, procedures, and commercial practices. Understanding of global sourcing, landed cost, and supply chain risk management. Strong negotiation skills with a history of cost savings and supplier performance improvement. Proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle / Plex Preferred) and data analytics tools. Ability to adopt a flexible work schedule when needed and travel as required for supplier visits and audits. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement AAM will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. AAM will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e‑mail View email address on click.appcast.io. AAM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr