Acquisition Program Buyer

Webasto Americas; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Webasto Americas is seeking a sourcing professional to lead supplier activities for new product launches, from RFQ to program handoff, ensuring on-time delivery and alignment with program goals. The role collaborates with Engineering, Costing, and cross-functional teams to optimize cost and manage supplier readiness during development.

You will negotiate terms, evaluate proposals, and drive supplier nominations in a fast-paced automotive environment, requiring a bachelor's degree in a related

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, business, or related field or equivalent automotive sourcing experience.
• Experience managing RFQs, supplier quotations, commercial evaluations, and supplier relationship management in manufacturing/auto environment.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and cost analysis skills with the ability to evaluate supplier cost structures and terms.
• Understanding of automotive product development processes, BOMs, and manufacturing fundamentals.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel, plus stakeholder and project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activities for new product launches from RFQ through supplier nomination and program handoff.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies with Engineering, Program Management, and Commodity Purchasing.
• Manage supplier RFQs, evaluate proposals, and prepare sourcing recommendations based on cost, quality, timing, capacity, and risk.
• Negotiate pricing, tooling investments, and launch requirements to meet program targets.
• Coordinate supplier selection, nomination, and contract execution per purchasing policies.
• Monitor supplier readiness during product development and mitigate commercial, supply, and launch risks.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Costing, and cross-functional teams to support changes and cost optimization.

Skills

RFQ management

Negotiation

Contract management

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Sourcing strategy

Education

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

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Procurement software

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?

You can look forward to these exciting tasks

• Lead sourcing activities for new product launches from RFQ through supplier nomination and program handoff, ensuring timely execution and alignment with program objectives
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies in partnership with Commodity Purchasing, Engineering, and Program Management teams to support successful product launches
• Manage supplier RFQs, evaluate commercial proposals, and prepare sourcing recommendations based on cost, quality, timing, capacity, and overall business risk
• Negotiate pricing, tooling investments, commercial terms, and launch requirements to achieve program financial targets and business objectives
• Coordinate supplier selection, nomination, and contract execution while ensuring compliance with company purchasing policies and procedures
• Monitor supplier readiness throughout product development, proactively identifying and mitigating commercial, supply chain, and launch risks
• Collaborate with Engineering, Costing, and cross-functional teams to support engineering changes, cost optimization initiatives, purchasing deliverables, and program milestone achievement

This is what you bring to us

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience in automotive sourcing, purchasing, or program management
• Experience managing RFQs, supplier quotations, commercial evaluations, sourcing recommendations, and supplier relationship management within a manufacturing or automotive environment
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate supplier cost structures, commercial terms, and total cost of ownership
• Solid understanding of automotive product development processes, manufacturing fundamentals, engineering drawings, product specifications, and bills of material
• Proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and purchasing or supplier management tools, combined with excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project management capabilities

Applications from qualified individuals with disabilities are expressly welcome.

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.