Purchasing Agent - Bilingual Japanese

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Imagine working for a large tier-1 supplier in the exciting world of automobile manufacturing. If you enjoy working in a collaborative and respectful environment with great team members, this could be the opportunity for you. Futaba North America provides management support to its automotive parts production companies in North America. The Futaba Group leverages its core technologies such as stamping and welding to create value added products that are in line with the needs of consumers, deliver peace of mind, and promote environmental initiatives that contribute towards a sustainable society.

The Purchasing Agent (AKA Purchasing Specialist) is responsible for sourcing and pricing materials, components, and tooling for our US and Canadian manufacturing facilities to meet program requirements and new model development. This position will be based at our headquarters office located in Bloomingdale, IL.  Japanese language proficiency is preferred. Major responsibilities are as follows:

• Develop and manage long-term supplier relationships and secure the best pricing, optimal delivery schedule, and terms.
• Evaluate quotations and negotiate pricing, timelines, and terms within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
• Determine best procurement method (i.e., direct purchase, bid, etc.) and prepare purchase order requisition and bid requests.
• Issue Letter of Intent and confirm Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
• Analyze procurement costs and develop fixes and cost reduction strategies.
• Assess business risk, financial risks, and supply chain disruptions in area of responsibility and develop back-up plans.
• Interface with Engineering team, manufacturers, and potential vendors on the manufacturing of custom designed items that meet user’s needs and specifications.
• Support trial order management.
• Negotiate Annual Price Reduction per management strategy.
• Support plants with quality, delivery, invoicing, and other purchasing issues with suppliers.
• Maintain communications with overseas parent company as needed.
• Identify new suppliers, evaluate technical capabilities, negotiate contracts, analyze market trends, and ensure product reliability.
• Maintain knowledge of market trends and developments, changes in business practices in assigned areas and new or altered materials entering the market. 
• Attend trade shows, product exhibitions, and conferences.
• Comply with company policies and procedures and safety and housekeeping requirements.
• Perform other projects and support other purchasing activities as requested.

If you are known as an exceptional employee who produces great work and believes in adding value to everything you do, we want you to join our growing team and share in our vision. The ideal candidate will have 3 or more years of purchasing experience along with solid negotiation skills. Purchasing experience in the automotive, aerospace, OEM, or related manufacturing is preferred. Technical understanding of components and design is essential. Must possess excellent written and verbal communications along with solid organizational skills, follow though, and attention to details. Bachelor’s Degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Business, or related field and CPP, CPSM, or other related certification are preferred. Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required. Working knowledge of ERP or MRP systems is needed. Ability to speak, read, and write Japanese is preferred. Approximately 10% business travel by car and plane is required. 

The salary range is $75,000 - $90,000 per year depending on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our full-time employees enjoy a competitive benefits plan that includes 4 medical plans, 2 dental plans, a vision plan, company paid basic life insurance, company paid short term disability insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, paid vacation, paid personal days, paid holidays, and more! The work schedule is generally Monday – Friday with a flexible starting time. Must be able to work some extended hours as needed. Qualified candidates are requested to email their cover letter and resume. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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