Buyer

KUKA Aktiengesellschaft; Michigan; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

KUKA Aktiengesellschaft is seeking a Buyer to efficiently purchase materials and services, manage supplier performance, and control costs for NAM operations. The role supports manufacturing, ensures quality and safety compliance, and maintains audit-ready supplier records.

Responsibilities include reviewing invoices, negotiating pricing, tracking cost savings, and driving ARIBA adoption across the location. A relevant bachelor degree and SAP Ariba/SAP ERP experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in an operations discipline (e.g. Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering) and/or 4 years of experience.
• Excellent knowledge of computers and applications, including experience with SAP Ariba, SAP ERP (P80 / S-4HANA), and SharePoint.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently purchasing materials and services, managing supplier performance, and controlling costs.
• Support manufacturing operations while complying with quality, safety, and company standards.
• Review invoices, resolve discrepancies, and support Accounts Payable as needed.
• Maintain vendor records, pricing agreements, and documentation for audit readiness.
• Coordinate supplier onboarding and qualification in compliance with company procedures.

Skills

Procurement

Supplier relationships

Cost control

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor degree in operations discipline

Tools

SAP ARIBA

SAP ERP (S-4HANA)

SharePoint

Job description

Buyer

Discover your impact with KUKA

KUKA offers an enormous spectrum of possibilities to advance your career, live your passions and unlock your potential. We´re one of the world's leading automation specialists, offering global opportunities in areas such as robotics, automation, logistics, software solutions and electronics. If you´re a go-getter, a visionary with bold ambitions and believer in collaboration and mutual respect, then you're poised for success here at KUKA.

Responsibilities Make an impactSUMMARYResponsible for efficiently purchasing materials and services, managing supplier performance, controlling costs, and ensuring accurate order fulfillment while supporting manufacturing operations and complying with quality, safety, and company standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages internal purchase requisitions across the NAM region for business unit Robotics


• Purchase direct and/or indirect materials & services in alignment with business requirements


• Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations, negotiate pricing and lead times as required in order to meet delivery requirements


• Track and document cost savings, sourcing decisions, and audit documentation

• Review invoices, resolve discrepancies, and support Accounts Payable as needed


• Maintain vendor records, pricing agreements, and documentation for audit readiness

• Monitor existing purchase orders and routine follow-up with approved vendors


• Maintain supplier and purchasing data in ERP systems

• Coordinate supplier onboarding and qualification in compliance with company procedures


• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Operations, Finance, Quality, and Logistics


• Act as Procurement Key User for SAP ARIBA at the assigned location.


• Drive ARIBA adoption, correct usage, and compliance with procurement policies.


• Troubleshoot process and system issues; serve as first‑level support and interface to central ARIBA


• Maintain local vendor catalogs, templates, and guided buying content where applicable.


• Support testing, rollouts, enhancements, and continuous improvement of ARIBA procurement processes.


• Deliver local procurement communication, training, and awareness initiatives.


• Manage supplier relationships, including performance monitoring, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Participates in Quality meetings regarding process flow and efficiency issues in the Sales and Order processing related areas.


• Understands and follows safety regulations and identifies safety concerns.


• Adheres to the Quality Systems and participates in continual improvement.

Application Requirements

What you need to succeed

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor degree in an operations discipline (e.g. Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering) and or 4 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Excellent knowledge of computers and applications, including experience with SAP Ariba, SAP ERP (P80 / S‑4HANA), and SharePoint required to support purchasing workflows, supplier management, and documentation.

KUKA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.