Commodity Buyer - Passives

ZF Group; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Plan

Paid Vacation

401k Plan

Health Care Benefits

Paid Holidays

Job summary

ZF Group is seeking a Commodity Buyer located in Lansing, Michigan. In this role, you will manage supplier relationships, oversee pricing strategies, and lead sourcing negotiations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in purchasing. The position offers a collaborative team environment, annual incentives, health benefits, and a 401k plan. Additionally, experience with SAP and strong analytical skills are required for successful performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing.
• Experience with supplier RFQs and negotiation activities.
• Solid understanding of purchasing tools and methods.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships and pricing.
• Support cost-saving initiatives.
• Lead sourcing negotiations and benchmarking.

Skills

Supplier analysis and evaluation

Negotiation techniques

Analytical skills

Time management skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Economics

Tools

SAP

Job description

About the Team:

The Commodity Buyer role is responsible for managing supplier relationships, pricing, and sourcing strategies to achieve cost targets, drive savings, and ensure quality and delivery performance. The position supports global sourcing and negotiations, market analysis, and continuous improvement while maintaining accurate data and compliance within ERP systems.

What you can look forward to as Commodity Buyer:

• Management of purchasing prices for assigned commodities and supplier groups, ensuring achievement of target costs in line with established sourcing processes
• Support of cost saving initiatives through source reviews, bundling opportunities, and market benchmarking activities
• Preparation and support of Commodity Management during contract and sourcing negotiations; lead role for assigned suppliers
• Investigation and identification of optimal suppliers for materials in a timely manner, utilizing industry standard sourcing techniques, procedures, and planning methods while ensuring full compliance with ZF company policies
• Lead global competitive sourcing and benchmarking activities
• Market research and monitoring of trends to support cost controlling and total cost management initiatives
• Management of the supply base with a focus on quality and delivery performance, utilizing defined escalation models
• Maintenance of accurate pricing, contracts, and negotiation data within ERP systems (e.g., SAP)
• Participation in continuous improvement initiatives and support of departmental objectives
• Adherence to and promotion of ZF’s commitment to quality, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and zero defects across all aspects of the role

Your Profile as Commodity Buyer:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in purchasing, such as commodity purchasing, technical purchasing, or purchasing project coordination
• Experience with supplier analysis and evaluation, including quality, capacity, and cost considerations
• Exposure to supplier RFQs, bidding processes, and negotiation activities
• Knowledge of APQP and/or purchasing project management tools and methods
• Solid understanding of purchasing tools, negotiation techniques, and professional business communication
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)
• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and sound numerical capabilities
• Well organized working style with effective time and task management skills
• Experience working with SAP or similar ERP systems
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required

What We Offer:

• A supportive collaborative team environment
• Annual Incentive Plan
• Paid Vacation
• 401k Plan
• Health Care Benefits
• Paid Holidays
• Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities