Buyer, Indirect Procurement

KUKA; Shelby Township (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

KUKA is seeking a Procurement Specialist to efficiently purchase materials and services for the NAM robotics unit, manage supplier performance, and control costs while aligning with quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities include negotiating quotes, driving ARIBA adoption, maintaining ERP data, and collaborating with Operations, Finance, Quality, and Logistics to ensure timely order fulfillment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an operations discipline or equivalent
• 4 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with SAP Ariba and SAP ERP (S/4HANA)
• SharePoint required to support purchasing workflows and supplier management

Responsibilities

• Manage NAM region internal purchase requisitions for business unit Robotics
• Purchase direct and indirect materials & services to meet requirements
• Evaluate supplier quotations; negotiate pricing and lead times
• Track cost savings, sourcing decisions, and audit documentation
• Review invoices and support Accounts Payable
• Maintain vendor records, pricing agreements, and audit-ready documentation
• Monitor purchase orders and follow up with vendors
• Maintain supplier and purchasing data in ERP systems
• Coordinate supplier onboarding and qualification
• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, Quality, and Logistics
• Act as Procurement Key User for SAP ARIBA; drive ARIBA adoption and compliance
• Troubleshoot ARIBA/process issues and provide first-level support
• Maintain local vendor catalogs and guided buying content
• Support testing, rollouts, enhancements, and continuous improvement of ARIBA workflows
• Deliver local procurement communication, training, and awareness initiatives
• Manage supplier relationships and continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in Quality meetings regarding process flow and efficiency in Sales/Order processing

Skills

Vendor management

Negotiation

Cost controls

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or Engineering

Tools

SAP Ariba

SAP ERP (S/4HANA)

SharePoint

Job description

Responsible 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

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in an operations discipline (e.g. Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering)
• 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)
• 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.