Commodity Buyer

SMP Automotive Global; Alabama; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental coverage

PTO

Job summary

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is seeking a Commodity Buyer – Direct Materials to join our Purchasing team in the Tuscaloosa area. This role influences sourcing decisions, supplier performance, and overall competitiveness in a fast-paced automotive environment.

You will develop commodity strategies, lead RFQs and negotiations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support new programs and ongoing projects. A strong background in direct materials and supplier management is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (SCM, business, engineering, economics, materials management, purchasing) preferred.
• At least 3 years of purchasing/procurement experience, ideally in automotive/manufacturing.
• Experience with direct materials or commodities (resin, plastics, components) preferred.
• Experience with national and international suppliers preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute commodity and supplier strategies for direct-material categories.
• Lead RFQs, bid comparisons, supplier evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
• Select and manage suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and technical capability.
• Lead supplier negotiations to achieve competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Develop cost estimates and support budget planning for projects and ongoing business.
• Identify cost-reduction and purchasing-synergy opportunities.
• Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues (quality, delivery, cost, service).
• Drive supplier development and continuous improvement activities.
• Support new program and project purchasing from sourcing through launch.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Logistics, Finance, Program Management, and Operations.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier-management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Organization & project management

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

SAP or ERP

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is looking for a Commodity Buyer – Direct Materials to join our Purchasing team in the Tuscaloosa area. This is an opportunity to play a key role in sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, cost management, and new program support within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. As a Tier 1 automotive supplier, we work closely with major automotive customers and leading suppliers to deliver high-quality products on time and at a competitive cost. In this role, you will have the opportunity to directly influence purchasing decisions, supplier performance, and the overall competitiveness of our business.

About the Role

Develop and execute commodity and supplier strategies for assigned direct-material categories.

Responsibilities

• Analyze markets, supplier capabilities, pricing, and cost trends to identify sourcing opportunities.
• Lead RFQs, bid comparisons, supplier evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
• Select and manage suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and technical capability.
• Lead supplier negotiations to achieve competitive pricing and favorable commercial terms.
• Develop cost estimates and support budget planning for new projects and ongoing business.
• Identify and drive cost-reduction, supplier consolidation, and purchasing synergy opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and business partners.
• Monitor supplier performance and help resolve quality, delivery, cost, capacity, and service issues.
• Initiate and monitor supplier development and continuous improvement activities.
• Support new program and project purchasing activities from sourcing through launch.
• Participate in cross-functional teams with Engineering, Quality, Logistics, Finance, Program Management, and Operations.
• Monitor supplier pricing, timing, commitments, and other commercial requirements for awarded projects.
• Drive achievement of established purchasing savings and cost-reduction targets.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, sourcing, and project information.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, procedures, and applicable quality requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Economics, Materials Management, Purchasing, or a related field preferred.
• At least 3 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in an automotive or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with direct materials or commodities such as resin, plastics, molded components, decorated products, interior components, exterior components, or similar materials preferred.
• Experience working with national and international suppliers preferred.

Required Skills

• Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to analyze quotations, costs, market conditions, and sourcing opportunities.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• SAP or other ERP experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support suppliers and business requirements.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with direct materials or commodities such as resin, plastics, molded components, decorated products, interior components, exterior components, or similar materials preferred.
• Experience working with national and international suppliers preferred.

Pay range and compensation package

• 120 hours of PTO
• 32 hours of unplanned PTO
• 11 paid holidays
• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Benefits-eligible employees may enroll in health, dental, and vision coverage effective the first of the month following their date of hire.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and are committed to providing an environment where employees can contribute, grow, and succeed.