Procurement Specialist - Automotive Prototype

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Overview

Bertrandt US is seeking a highly motivated Procurement Specialist - Automotive Prototype & Supplier Quality to support automotive prototype development and engineering operations. This role is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, supplier development, supplier quality management, and delivery coordination for prototype and low-volume production components.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Engineering, Prototype Build Teams, Warehouse Operations, Quality, Logistics, and Project Management to ensure critical components are competitively sourced, delivered on schedule, and meet all customer and quality requirements.

What You'll Do

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard local and regional suppliers for prototype and low-volume production components.
• Develop sourcing strategies that optimize lead time, quality, flexibility, and cost competitiveness.
• Manage RFQ processes, supplier selection, commercial negotiations, and cost analysis activities.
• Establish secondary and contingency suppliers to mitigate supply chain risks.
• Expand local sourcing capabilities to improve responsiveness and supply chain resilience.

• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders for prototype parts, tooling, materials, and operational requirements.
• Monitor supplier commitments, pricing, delivery schedules, and order acknowledgements.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data within ERP and procurement systems.
• Resolve purchase order discrepancies, invoice issues, and supplier-related concerns.

• Track open purchase orders from placement through receipt.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and proactively expedite critical components.
• Communicate supply risks, shortages, and schedule impacts to stakeholders.
• Coordinate shipments with suppliers, logistics providers, warehouse operations, and project teams.

• Support prototype builds and engineering development programs operating under aggressive timelines.
• Source machined, fabricated, additive-manufactured, and custom prototype components.
• Participate in build readiness reviews and provide accurate material status updates.
• Support engineering changes, design iterations, and new product introductions.

• Assess supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, quality systems, and capacity.
• Conduct supplier evaluations and audits as required.
• Ensure compliance with automotive quality standards, customer requirements, and engineering specifications.
• Coordinate containment activities, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering teams to address supplier performance issues.

• Support inventory replenishment through localized sourcing strategies.
• Work with Warehouse and Logistics teams to reduce stock-out risks and improve material availability.
• Identify opportunities for local sourcing based on demand, lead times, criticality, and supply risk.

• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Finance, Logistics, and Project Management teams.
• Provide supplier capability and sourcing input during product development phases.
• Communicate purchasing status, supplier performance, and delivery risks effectively.
• Support continuous improvement efforts across procurement and supply chain processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, purchasing, supplier quality, or supply chain management.
• Experience within automotive, manufacturing, engineering services, prototype development, or similar technical environments.
• Experience creating and managing purchase orders, delivery tracking, and expediting materials.
• Experience evaluating supplier performance and resolving quality or delivery issues.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, bills of material (BOMs), and engineering documentation.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting automotive prototype builds, low-volume manufacturing, or new product introduction programs.
• Knowledge of machining, fabrication, additive manufacturing, tooling, plastics, and prototype materials.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, supplier development, and corrective action processes.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.
• Experience with SAP or comparable ERP/MRP systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and procurement reporting capabilities.

Key Competencies

• Strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management
• Negotiation and commercial acumen
• Strong sense of urgency and accountability
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Effective project coordination and prioritization
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced prototype environment

Why Join Bertrandt?

Bertrandt is a global engineering services company supporting some of the world's leading automotive manufacturers. This role offers the opportunity to directly influence prototype vehicle development by strengthening the local supply base, improving supply chain responsiveness, and supporting innovative engineering programs.

Join a collaborative team where your contributions will have a measurable impact on prototype build success, supplier performance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

EEO-Statement:  

Bertrandt US is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. We consider all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.