Commodity Buyer - PM

MAHLE GmbH; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MAHLE GmbH is seeking a Commodity Buyer in Farmington Hills, MI. You will drive cost-saving initiatives by identifying opportunities and applying strategic sourcing to secure supplier partnerships for development projects.

You will monitor supply risks, negotiate favorable terms, and manage relationships with key suppliers to ensure pricing, quality, and delivery performance. Strong communication and SAP proficiency are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field is required.
• 3+ years purchasing/sourcing experience; 5+ years preferred.
• Strong communication and supplier relationship management.
• Experience with contract negotiations and cost analysis.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and specs.
• Proficiency with SAP and MS Excel.

Responsibilities

• Identify and resolve supplier capability gaps impacting product development.
• Lead supplier transitions for strategic sourcing initiatives and distressed supplier recovery.
• Support development and execution of commodity strategies aligned with business goals.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and PPV tracking/reporting.
• Travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.
• Maintain data in SAP, JIRA, and Jaggaer.
• Negotiate sourcing solutions aligned with commodity strategies.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations cross-functionally.
• Lead additional projects as needed.

Skills

Supplier management

Contract negotiations

Financial cost analysis

Market trend evaluation

Reading engineering drawings

Project management

Excel

SAP

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

Your Contribution

As a Commodity Buyer reporting to the Director of Purchasing, you will be responsible for driving the implementation of cost‑saving initiatives by strategically identifying opportunities and applying critical thinking to develop long‑term sourcing solutions. This role proactively monitors supply risks and market trends, leveraging negotiation and strategic sourcing tactics to secure sustainable supplier partnerships for future development projects. The Commodity Buyer ensures optimal pricing, quality, and delivery performance while fostering strong, long‑term relationships with key suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Identify and resolve supplier capability gaps impacting future product development.
• Lead and coordinate supplier transitions for strategic sourcing initiatives and distressed supplier recovery.
• Support the development and execution of commodity strategies aligned with business goals.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and contribute to Purchase Price Variance (PPV) tracking and reporting.
• Execute additional duties as required based on commodity needs and evolving business priorities.
• Manage up to 25% domestic and international travel to support supplier and project requirements.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date data in JIRA, Jaggaer, and SAP systems at all times.
• Negotiate optimal sourcing solutions in alignment with commodity strategies while fostering strong cross‑functional collaboration.
• Participate in cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment across engineering, quality, and operations.
• Support and lead additional projects and assignments as needed.

Your Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant purchasing or sourcing experience, preferably within the automotive industry; 5+ years strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver effective presentations and manage supplier relationships.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiations, product development processes, and supplier management.
• Advanced skills in negotiation, financial cost analysis, and market trend evaluation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Proven strengths in time management, project management, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Working knowledge of key manufacturing processes, including stamping, injection molding, and casting.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with SAP is strongly preferred.

Facts about the job

Entry level: Experienced hires

Part- / Full-time: Full Time

Functional area: Purchasing

Department: Services

Location: Farmington Hills, MI, US 48335

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity Matters. We welcome applications from all social, religious, ethnic backgrounds, disabilities both mental and physical, gender identities, and neurodivergent individuals.

MAHLE is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment‑based non‑immigrant and immigrant visas. However, as a global company, MAHLE offers many job opportunities outside of the USA which can be found through our employment website.

Do you have any questions?
[e-mail]