Senior Buyer - Mechatronics / Electronics

Overview Senior Buyer - Mechatronics / Electronics – Detroit, MI (hybrid) at our World Headquarters. The Senior Mechatronics / Electronics Buyer leads the strategic sourcing process for mechatronics/electronics to support global manufacturing facilities, including RFQ, bid evaluation, cost breakdown analysis, negotiation, supplier evaluation, sourcing recommendations, and contracting. Ensures cost-effective sourcing while maintaining quality and delivery standards in line with Tier 1 automotive supplier requirements. Collaborates 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, prioritizes and completes tasks. They should have excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills, as well as strong planning and organization abilities. Preferred experience includes collaborating with international suppliers, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia. Responsibilities Contract Management: Executes contract and PO lifecycle management, including expiring or aged POs, PO administration, clean-up, and line closure. Coordinates with suppliers and business partners to resolve routine issues (past-due POs, match exceptions, freight charges and freight billings, cost recoveries, price/invoice issues, updating/incrementing POs, etc.). Sourcing & Procurement: Executes the global mechatronics/electronics strategy with the approved supply base while ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to budget metrics. Negotiation: Conducts cost and price negotiations and establishes long-term agreements with suppliers to deliver high-value materials meeting cost, quality, and delivery requirements; drives cost savings and supplier performance improvements. Change Management: Processes change requests timely and thoroughly vetted for accuracy before submitting to the internal program team. Financial Budgeting & Forecasting: Contributes to annual procurement budget development and submits monthly forecasts to finance. Supplier Management: Develops and manages relationships with suppliers to ensure quality, cost competitiveness, and on-time delivery. VA/VE & Cost Savings initiatives: Supports VA/VE initiatives to improve category spend competitiveness to meet or exceed targets. Technical Support: Leads technical sourcing reviews with engineering and supplier quality to close out issues and ensure cross-functional support of sourcing recommendations. Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates risks in the mechatronics/electronics supply chain, including shortages, price fluctuations, and geopolitical factors. Supports manufacturing locations as required; executes and supports resiliency requests. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works with internal teams 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 related field. 5+ years of procurement and sourcing experience in automotive or related manufacturing (preferably with mechatronic or electronic components). 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) and data analytics tools. Ability to adopt a flexible work schedule as needed and travel for supplier visits and audits. About AAM As a leading global Tier 1 Automotive and Mobility Supplier, AAM designs, engineers and manufactures Driveline and Metal Forming technologies to support electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Discover how we\'re Bringing the Future Faster at AAM.com. 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 protected characteristic by law. AAM will take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in employment. For the Disabled Job Seeker: accommodations are available; 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 American Axle & Mfg., Inc.