Global Technical Purchasing Lead – Automotive

Kautex Textron; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kautex Textron is seeking a procurement professional to manage sourcing activities within the automotive supply chain. You will handle SOWs, RFQ packages, supplier alignment with standards, and quote governance to ensure timely, cost-effective outcomes.

Responsibilities include leading negotiations, making sourcing recommendations, and coordinating kickoff with AME. The role requires engineering literacy, supplier interfacing experience, and willingness to travel across North America.

Qualifications

• Lead meetings and drive towards solutions with suppliers.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Interface with suppliers' manufacturing tooling and machines.
• Basic understanding of how machines work.
• Knowledge of blow molded parts is a plus.
• Automotive industry experience is a plus.
• Proficient with MS Office, SAP/Ariba, and MS Project.
• Willingness to travel to USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Responsibilities

• Receive Statements of Work (SOWs) from AME/MS teams
• Prepare RFQ packages using the TP application
• Interface with suppliers to ensure alignment with Kautex standards and on-time quote submission
• Conduct internal quote review meetings to validate supplier quote conformity and technical alignment
• Lead supplier negotiations using should-cost analysis, cost history, and benchmarking tools
• Prepare sourcing recommendations for approval by the Director TP or Sourcing Committee
• Upon approval, notify stakeholders and initiate project kickoff with AME
• Approve requisitions in Ariba, ensuring key commercial terms are included
• Drive supplier development, establish service contracts, and support cost reduction initiatives
• Manage supplier performance through capacity planning, timeline optimization, and crisis support

Skills

Supplier meetings

Engineering drawings

Supplier interface

Travel readiness

Education

BS degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Electrical or Supply Chain

Tools

MS Office

SAP/Ariba

MS Project

Job description

Kautex Textron is seeking a procurement professional to manage sourcing activities within the automotive supply chain. You will handle SOWs, RFQ packages, supplier alignment with standards, and quote governance to ensure timely, cost-effective outcomes.

Responsibilities include leading negotiations, making sourcing recommendations, and coordinating kickoff with AME. The role requires engineering literacy, supplier interfacing experience, and willingness to travel across North America.