Associate Buyer

TI Automotive; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

TI Automotive in Auburn Hills is seeking a Procurement Specialist to support activities across various commodities. This role involves managing purchase orders, tracking performance, and collaborating with suppliers.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Business, along with 2-4 years of experience in automotive buying. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong attention to detail are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field required.
• 2-4 years buying experience in the automotive arena.

Responsibilities

• Support cost savings initiatives and track performance.
• Prepare RFQs/RFPs, analyze supplier quotes.
• Participate in sourcing activities and manage cross-functional teams.
• Manage purchase orders and updates.
• Monitor supplier performance and manage escalations.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and pricing issues.
• Track and support Purchase Price Variance (PPV) reporting.
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives.

Skills

Basic negotiation and supplier communication skills

Attention to detail

Analytical ability

Effective problem-solving

Clear communication

Self-motivated and ownership

Ability to prioritize

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Team-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

ERP experience

Job description

This role supports procurement activities across a variety of commodities (such as metals, plastics, rubber, electronics). It includes creating and managing purchase orders, resolving invoice and payment issues, supporting supplier communications, coordinating engineering changes and addressing supplier and plant needs after start of production.

Key Responsibilities

1. Support cost savings initiatives and track performance, ensuring data accuracy.
2. Prepare RFQs/RFPs, analyze supplier quotes, and support sourcing decisions.
3. Participate in sourcing activities and manage purchasing-related engineering with cross-functional teams.
4. Manage purchase orders, updates and blanket orders.
5. Monitor supplier performance; manage escalations for shortage and stop-ships.
6. Resolve invoice discrepancies, short pays, and pricing issues in coordination with suppliers and finance.
7. Track and support Purchase Price Variance (PPV) reporting.
8. Revisit quoted programs for cost improvement opportunities.
9. Maintain system accuracy (pricing, lead times, supplier data)
10. Support supplier resourcing and development activities
11. Identify and support implementation of cost reduction initiatives / VA-VE.
12. Revisit awarded programs for cost improvement opportunities.

Skill Requirements

1. Basic negotiation and supplier communication skills
2. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
3. Analytical ability to compare quotes, track costs, and maintain data accuracy.
4. Effective problem-solving for day-to-day issues (shortages, invoices, delivery).
5. Clear written and verbal communication with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
6. Self-motivated with willingness to learn and take ownership of assigned tasks.
7. Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
8. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), ERP experience a plus.
9. Team-oriented with a proactive and positive approach.

Education and Experience Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field required.
2. 2-4 years buying experience in the automotive arena.

EEO Statement

TI Automotive is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, pregnancy status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.