Acquisition Program Buyer

Webasto Group; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Webasto in Auburn Hills, MI, is seeking an experienced Sourcing & Supplier Quality professional to drive strategic procurement for new product launches. You will lead RFQs, negotiate terms, and manage supplier relationships to meet program milestones.

Key responsibilities include cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Costing, and Program Management, plus identifying cost reductions and managing risk across the supply base.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Understanding of automotive product development, sourcing processes, and manufacturing fundamentals.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, product specifications, and bills of material to support sourcing decisions.
• Experience managing RFQs, supplier quotations, commercial evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of supplier cost structures, commercial terms, and total cost of ownership principles.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple launches and competing priorities.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and purchasing or supplier management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activities for new product launches from RFQ through supplier nomination and program handoff.
• Develop sourcing strategies in partnership with Commodity Purchasing, Engineering, and Program Management.
• Manage supplier RFQs, evaluate commercial proposals, and prepare sourcing recommendations based on cost, quality, capacity, timing, and risk.
• Negotiate pricing, tooling, commercial terms, and launch requirements to achieve program financial targets.
• Coordinate supplier selection, nomination, and contract execution while ensuring compliance with purchasing policies.
• Monitor supplier readiness throughout product development, proactively identifying and mitigating commercial and supply risks.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Costing to evaluate design changes, cost impacts, and sourcing alternatives.
• Support program profitability by identifying cost reduction opportunities and managing commercial impacts of engineering changes.
• Ensure purchasing deliverables are achieved in accordance with program milestones and launch timing.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support successful launches and long-term strategic partnerships.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

Supplier relationships

Project management

Analytical skills

Cost analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP systems

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Purchasing tools

Job description

Make individual mobility more enjoyable and sustainable by advancing technology and people - As one of the top 100 automotive suppliers worldwide, Webasto actively shapes the transformation of the industry through expertise and forward-thinking solutions. Our goal is to make mobility a full sensory experience, working toward more comfort, wind in your hair, the perfect temperature in any season, and driving with a clear conscience - for a safe and sustainable future. We bring joy to mobility - are you in?

Job Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activities for new product launches from RFQ through supplier nomination and program handoff.
• Develop sourcing strategies in partnership with Commodity Purchasing, Engineering, and Program Management.
• Manage supplier RFQs, evaluate commercial proposals, and prepare sourcing recommendations based on cost, quality, capacity, timing, and risk.
• Negotiate pricing, tooling, commercial terms, and launch requirements to achieve program financial targets.
• Coordinate supplier selection, nomination, and contract execution while ensuring compliance with purchasing policies.
• Monitor supplier readiness throughout product development, proactively identifying and mitigating commercial and supply risks.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Costing to evaluate design changes, cost impacts, and sourcing alternatives.
• Support program profitability by identifying cost reduction opportunities and managing commercial impacts of engineering changes.
• Ensure purchasing deliverables are achieved in accordance with program milestones and launch timing.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support successful launches and long-term strategic partnerships.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Understanding of automotive product development, sourcing processes, and manufacturing fundamentals.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, product specifications, and bills of material to support sourcing decisions.
• Experience managing RFQs, supplier quotations, commercial evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of supplier cost structures, commercial terms, and total cost of ownership principles.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple launches and competing priorities.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and purchasing or supplier management tools.
• Results-driven with strong business acumen, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset.

Applications from qualified individuals with disabilities are expressly welcome.

Get to know us here and find out why we are passionate about attracting talent to Webasto.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Webasto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status.

Entry Level: Career Starters (0-3 years)

Job Location: Auburn Hills, 48326 2500 Executive Hills Blvd, MI

Purchasing & Supplier Quality is crucial to our success as a global provider of innovative mobility solutions. As part of the procurement team, you actively help shape the future of mobility. Close collaboration with all business areas ensures the definition and implementation of commodity group strategies, while commercial negotiations have a direct impact on the company's success. Selecting the best and most innovative suppliers guarantees the highest quality standards, as well as sustainable and innovative products. The tasks in procurement are as diverse as they are essential to success.