Buyer

Hitachi, Ltd.; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Medical benefits starting day one

Paid parental leave

1-of-1 automation projects

Job summary

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is seeking a Buyer in Holland, MI to manage end-to-end procurement for complex automation projects. You will source, negotiate, and deliver components on time, coordinating with Engineering, Project Management, and suppliers to meet schedules.

Ideal candidates have manufacturing or engineered-to-order experience, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to interpret drawings and specifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• Procurement or sourcing experience in manufacturing, automation, mechatronics, robotics, or engineered-to-order environments.
• Experience managing project-based purchasing from kickoff through installation or commissioning.
• Background purchasing low-volume, high-mix engineered components and custom assemblies.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems for PO management, lead times, supplier acknowledgments, and demand planning.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and controls drawings, BOMs, and engineering specifications.
• Understanding of pneumatics, sensors, fasteners, electrical hardware, drives, and safety devices.
• Strong negotiation skills, including price, delivery terms, and commercial conditions.
• Experience conducting RFQs/RFPs and evaluating supplier proposals for technical and commercial fit.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, v-lookup, data analysis).

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end project procurement from kickoff through FAT, shipment, and installation, aligning with project schedules and customer requirements.
• Lead RFQs/RFPs for complex automation components including robotics, mechatronics assemblies, conveyors, packaging systems, and controls hardware.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms for low-volume, high-mix engineered components and custom assemblies.
• Read and interpret mechanical and controls drawings, BOMs, and specifications to ensure accurate procurement.
• Monitor supplier lead times and delivery performance; adjust schedules to mitigate risk.
• Collaborate with Project Management to track budgets and forecast procurement spend.
• Support Strategic Sourcing in evaluating supplier performance metrics.
• Drive cost-reduction through alternative sourcing and value-engineering efforts.
• Assist inventory strategy and material availability for standard components.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Read drawings and BOMs

Project-based purchasing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

The Opportunity:

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we're always looking to get stronger across North America, Europe, and Asia. Join us as a Buyer in Holland, MI as we work together to bring innovative automation solutions to life.

Location Type:

This position is onsite in Holland, MI.

What We Offer:

• Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave
• Opportunity to work on customized, 1-of-1 automation projects
• A collaborative, engineering-driven environment
• Career growth and skill development opportunities
• A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter
• Work with cutting edge and innovative technologies

Role Overview

The Buyer role is responsible for managing end-to-end procurement activities for complex automation projects, ensuring materials and engineered components are sourced, negotiated, and delivered on time to support project schedules from kickoff through installation. The position partners closely with Engineering, Project Management, and suppliers to manage RFQs/RFPs, control costs, mitigate supply chain risks, and support successful project execution. Ideal candidates will have experience in manufacturing, automation, or engineered-to-order environments, strong technical aptitude, supplier negotiation skills, and the ability to interpret drawings, BOMs, and engineering specifications.

How You'll Make an Impact:

• Manage end-to-end project procurement from kickoff through FAT, shipment, and installation, ensuring alignment with project schedules and customer requirements.
• Lead RFQs/RFPs for complex automation components including robotics, mechatronics assemblies, conveyors, packaging systems, and controls hardware.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms for low-volume, high-mix engineered components and custom assemblies.
• Read and interpret mechanical and controls drawings, BOMs, customer specifications, and revision updates to ensure accurate and compliant procurement.
• Monitor suppliers lead times, capacity, and delivery performance, proactively adjusting schedules to meet project milestones and mitigate risk.
• Partner with Project Management to track budgets, forecast procurement spend, and manage cost or schedule impacts.
• Support Strategic Sourcing in evaluating supplier performance across quality, delivery, responsiveness, and capability metrics.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives through alternative sourcing, material substitutions, commercial negotiations, and value-engineering efforts.
• Support inventory strategy and material availability for standard components such as pneumatics, fasteners, sensors, drives, and safety hardware.

Note:

This list of responsibilities is inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• Procurement or sourcing experience in a manufacturing, automation, mechatronics, robotics, or engineered-to-order environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing project-based purchasing from kickoff through installation or commissioning.
• Background purchasing low-volume, high-mix engineered components and custom assemblies is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems for purchase order management, lead time updates, supplier acknowledgments, and demand planning.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and controls drawings, BOMs, engineering specifications, and revision documentation.
• Understanding of industrial and automation components such as pneumatics, sensors, fasteners, electrical hardware, drives, and safety devices.
• Strong negotiation skills, including price, delivery terms, and commercial conditions.
• Experience conducting RFQs/RFPs and evaluating supplier proposals for technical and commercial fit.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, v-lookups, data analysis).

Disclaimer:

JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview:

At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what's possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Fueled by Possible.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to [e-mail]. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.