Jr. Commodity Buyer

ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Purchase Direct Material and/or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets for Engine, Transmission, and Driveline assemblies.
• Support the purchasing function and other relevant departments and communicate any supply problems which may impact on business operations
• Act as an interface between suppliers and other relevant departments on purchasing processes and new projects and activities
• Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organization
• Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers
• Provide analysis on costs, new and existing and review cost reduction activities
• Prepare reports and updates as and when required
• Work closely with others in the procurement function and review opportunities for continuous improvement and business improvements
• Adhere to any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of self, staff and visitors
• Negotiate contracts, improve prices and terms of business with suppliers and review opportunities to make business savings utilizing negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods
• Prepare and raise purchase orders and order schedules
• Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships and keep up good communications
• Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships
• Ensure compliance to company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures during supplier negotiations and contracts award process.
• Conduct research for new components and suppliers
• Compile data relating to supplier performance to enable evaluation
• Assess and evaluate suppliers and contribute to performance reviews to ensure contract compliance
• Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery or invoice issues

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 2+ years of buyer's experience as a Direct Material/Components Buyer in Automotive
• Knowledge of one or more of the following commodities:  Stampings, Plastic Parts, Turnings, PCBA, and/or Powdered Metals.  Electronics/PCBA highly desired
• Driven by innate work ethic, a desire to succeed, and attention to detail & accuracy
• Is self-aware and optimistic.  Shows moral courage, openness, and honestly in all dealings.
• An understanding of automotive processes and knowledge of purchasing, negotiation, commercial understanding, and cost breakdowns.
• Highest regard for professionalism and corporate compliance
• Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken with all supplier relationships.
• Commercial and financial awareness with a full understanding of how failure affects the production, manufacturing, and customer fulfillment process.
• Able to build and maintain effective and productive relationships with staff, stakeholders, and suppliers.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication (oral & written) skills.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to work cross-functionally and manage time effectively.
• Computer literate with advanced Excel skills/abilities
• Knowledge of MFG Pro (QAD) or similar enterprise software (SAP, etc.)