Buyer

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Michigan; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits from day one

Custom automation projects

Collaborative engineering culture

Career growth opportunities

Quality-focused environment

Cutting-edge technology

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 engineered components, negotiate terms, and ensure timely delivery to support project schedules from kickoff through installation.

Ideal candidates have manufacturing/automation procurement experience, strong technical aptitude to interpret drawings and BOMs, and the ability to mitigate supply chain risks while collaborating with Engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Procurement experience in manufacturing, automation, or engineered-to-order environments.
• Experience managing project-based purchasing from kickoff through installation.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement from kickoff to installation, aligned with schedules and customer requirements.
• Lead RFQs/RFPs for automation components including robotics and controls hardware.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times and terms for low-volume, high-mix engineered components.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, BOMs and engineering specs to ensure compliant procurement.
• Monitor supplier performance and adjust schedules to mitigate risk.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Reading drawings

Excel data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Location: Holland, Michigan, United States Job ID: R0146670 Date Posted: 2026-10-02 Company Name: J.R. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Profession (Job Category): Customer Service & Contact Center Operations Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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].

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

E-mail us for data privacy inquiries or technical support.