Admin-Buyer-1st shift

NTN Bearing of America; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

NTN Bearing of America is seeking an experienced Indirect/Direct Buyer to support automotive manufacturing operations. You will source and procure indirect materials including MRO, tooling, capital equipment, and facility-related needs to ensure uninterrupted plant operations.

The role requires 3+ years in purchasing, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and proficiency with ERP systems and MS Office. You will collaborate across engineering, maintenance, operations, and finance to optimize

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in supply chain, business, or related field.
• 3+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in automotive/manufacturing.
• Experience with indirect procurement (MRO, services, capital, tooling).
• Strong negotiation, analytical, vendor management skills, and attention to detail and financial aptitude.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure a broad range of MRO materials, supplies, and services for manufacturing operations.
• Manage end-to-end requisition processing, RFQs, quotations, bid evaluations, and supplier selection.
• Develop category strategies, identify sourcing opportunities, and drive process improvements.
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers while monitoring existing performance via KPIs.
• Lead supplier relationship management, ensuring compliance with contracts and driving accountability.
• Coordinate with operations, planning, quality, and finance to align purchasing with production needs.
• Maintain continuity of supply by monitoring cost, delivery, lead times, and quality.
• Manage annual spend across assigned commodities and contribute to budgeting and forecasting.
• Work autonomously under general guidelines with sound judgment and ownership.
• Use data-driven analysis to resolve sourcing issues and escalate strategic matters with recommendations.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Vendor management

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP systems

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION: We are seeking a results-driven Indirect/Direct Buyer to support our automotive manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for sourcing and procuring indirect materials and services-including MRO supplies, tooling, capital equipment, and facility-related needs-ensuring uninterrupted plant operations.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and a strong understanding of indirect procurement, supplier management, and cost control. This position works cross-functionally with engineering, maintenance, operations, accounting, and external suppliers to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions.

KERY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for sourcing and procurement of a broad range of MRO materials, supplies, and services supporting manufacturing operations, with a focus on optimizing cost, quality, and service levels.
• Manage end-to-end requisition processing, including RFQ issuance, quotation analysis, bid evaluation, and supplier selection, ensuring alignment with cost targets and operational requirements.
• Apply strong analytical and strategic thinking to identify sourcing opportunities, develop category strategies, and drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and supplier performance.
• Proactively identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers while maintaining and enhancing the existing supplier base through structured performance monitoring, KPI tracking, and periodic business reviews.
• Lead and support supplier relationship management activities, ensuring compliance with contractual terms, driving accountability, and fostering long-term partnerships that deliver operational value.
• Coordinate closely with cross-functional stakeholders (operations, planning, quality, and finance) to align purchasing activities with production needs and maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Ensure continuity of supply and high service levels by monitoring supplier cost performance, delivery reliability, lead times, and quality metrics, taking corrective actions where necessary.
• Manage annual spend across assigned commodities and supplier portfolios, contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy under general guidelines, demonstrating sound judgment, ownership, and a results-driven mindset in day-to-day purchasing decisions.
• Utilize structured problem-solving and data-driven analysis to resolve sourcing and supplier issues, escalating complex or strategic matters to management with well-supported recommendations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in automotive or manufacturing
• Experience with indirect procurement (MRO, services, capital, tooling)
• Strong negotiation, analytical, vendor management skills, and attention to detail and financial aptitude.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and working knowledge of Microsoft Office module, excel, word, power point.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.