Buyer

LHH; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH is seeking an experienced MRO & Services Buyer to manage a defined portfolio supporting Homer, MI manufacturing operations. The role requires autonomy in a fast-paced environment, working directly with suppliers, plant leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders.

The successful candidate will drive continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and supplier performance while leading strategic sourcing initiatives and collaborating with Global Commodity Management to execute broader purchasing

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of purchasing/procurement experience in MRO/Services or related categories.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing or similar complex industrial environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of purchasing fundamentals, supplier management, and negotiations.
• Experience with global or structured procurement organizations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own purchasing activities for assigned MRO and Services categories, ensuring continuity and competitive costs.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with plant requirements and global guidelines.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop suppliers to build a reliable U.S. network.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and ongoing commercial activities.
• Collaborate with Global Purchasing, Plant Operations, Quality, Logistics, and Finance to support objectives.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies; seek cost reduction and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with corporate procurement policies and provide stakeholder visibility.
• Participate in supplier negotiations and maintain strong business relationships.
• Balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Skills

Purchasing

Supplier management

Negotiations

Cross-functional collaboration

Autonomy

Risk mitigation

Strategic sourcing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Engineering/Business

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced MRO & Services Buyer to manage a defined portfolio of MRO, auxiliary, and service-related purchasing categories supporting the Homer, MI manufacturing operation.

This role is ideal for a procurement professional who is comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, can operate with a high degree of autonomy, and has the confidence to work directly with suppliers, plant leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders. The Buyer will be responsible for ensuring continuity of supply while driving cost competitiveness, supplier performance, and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Own purchasing activities for assigned MRO & Services / MRO categories, ensuring continuity of supply, competitive costs, quality, and service.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with plant requirements and global purchasing guidelines.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop suppliers to establish a strong and reliable U.S. supplier network.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, negotiations, and ongoing commercial activities.
• Partner closely with Global Purchasing, Plant Operations, Quality, Logistics, and Finance to support business objectives.
• Identify potential supply, cost, quality, and operational risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and supplier optimization.
• Ensure purchasing activities align with established corporate and global procurement policies.
• Maintain strong communication with internal stakeholders and provide visibility into purchasing activity, supplier performance, and potential issues.
• Participate in supplier negotiations and challenging commercial discussions while maintaining strong business relationships.
• Balance multiple priorities in a demanding manufacturing environment while maintaining a high level of ownership and accountability.
• Collaborate with the MRO & Services Coordinator and Global Commodity Management to execute broader purchasing strategies.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5–8 years of purchasing/procurement experience, ideally within MRO, indirect materials, Auxiliaries & Services, or related purchasing categories.
• Experience within automotive manufacturing or another complex industrial/manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of purchasing fundamentals, sourcing strategies, supplier management, and negotiations.
• Demonstrated experience managing suppliers and purchasing activities within a structured or global organization.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong commercial judgment and the ability to make sound decisions with a high degree of autonomy.

Education & Additional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Experience with ERP/procurement systems is preferred.
• Experience working within global purchasing organizations is a plus.
• Additional language skills are a plus.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills
• High level of autonomy and accountability
• Results-oriented and commercially focused
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making
• Comfortable navigating difficult or challenging stakeholder discussions
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach
• High level of ownership and professional maturity