Buyer Associate

Cooper Standard; United States; Remote; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the automotive sector seeks an Associate Buyer to optimize the supply base and manage pricing agreements. This role focuses on enhancing cost efficiency, ensuring compliance with company terms, and driving operational excellence through collaboration with cross-functional teams. Candidates should possess a strong educational background in supply chain management and proven negotiation skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or related field, or 2+ years of experience.
• Proven negotiation skills with successful outcomes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage supply base, optimizing material costs.
• Analyze market dynamics for informed decision-making.
• Collaborate to execute commodity strategies aligned with business goals.

Skills

Negotiation

Problem-Solving

Communication

Teamwork

Market Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or related field

2+ years of relevant experience in purchasing or supply chain

Job description

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Associate Buyer is responsible for developing and managing the supply base, negotiating pricing, terms, and agreements for materials essential to the production of Cooper Standard products and business operations. This role focuses on optimizing material costs, implementing effective supply chain strategies, and ensuring compliance with company pricing and terms & conditions agreements to drive operational excellence.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Collaborate cross-functionally to establish and execute commodity strategies that align with business goals.
• Analyze key market dynamics and commodity trends, including raw materials, to ensure cost competitiveness and informed decision-making.
• Contribute to lean savings initiatives by actively participating in cross-functional teams and supply chain projects.
• Manage the supply base to ensure alignment with business requirements, cost parameters, and compliance with terms and agreements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers to foster collaboration and innovation.
• Participate in annual supplier business reviews to strengthen strategic partnerships and enhance Cooper Standard's performance metrics.
• Proactively support the resolution of critical supply chain issues while maintaining positive supplier relationships.
• Maintain and organize commercial documents and records as required for compliance and operational efficiency.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field; or 2+ years of relevant experience in purchasing or supply chain.
• Proven experience in negotiations with a track record of achieving favorable outcomes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to seek guidance when necessary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience working in diverse or cross-functional teams is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes or technical expertise is a plus.

Work Environment/Work Conditions:

• Professional office environment with occasional travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations as required.
• Adherence to safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while on the manufacturing floor.
• Training on equipment safety and injury prevention is mandatory.

Position Type:

Regular

Additional Locations:

Additional Information:

Remote Status:

Remote