Indirect Commodity Buyer

DRiV; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DRiV in Southfield, MI is seeking an Indirect Commodity Buyer to lead strategic sourcing for indirect categories supporting manufacturing, engineering, and corporate operations. You will drive cost optimization, supplier performance, and compliance with procurement standards across North America, collaborating with global teams.

The role demands strong negotiation, ERP proficiency, data analysis, and cross-functional partnership with Plant Operations, Finance, and Engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years automotive procurement experience (indirect preferred).
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and sourcing tools.
• Knowledge of CapEx procurement highly preferred.
• Demonstrated data manipulation skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP).
• Experience resolving supplier invoice disputes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; SAP or ERP experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop sourcing strategies for indirect commodities (MRO, facilities, tooling, logistics).
• Lead RFQs, RFPs, and reverse auctions within global sourcing framework.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and long-term agreements.
• Identify dual-source strategies to mitigate risk.
• Support CapEx procurement aligned with plant expansion.
• Track savings with validated financial reporting.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

Data analysis

Pivot tables

VLOOKUP

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

• Supplier consolidation
• Volume leverage

Job Title: Indirect Commodity Buyer

Tenneco is one of the world’s leading designer, manufacturers, and marketers of automotive products for original equipment and aftermarket customers, with approximately 65,000 team members working at more than 200 sites worldwide. Through our four business groups, DRiV, Performance Solutions, Clean Air and Powertrain, Tenneco is driving advancements in global mobility by delivering technology solutions for diversified global markets, including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway, industrial, motorsport and the aftermarket.

This position will report within the DRiV business group. DRiV is Tenneco’s aftermarket product solutions group, with a mission to deliver advancements that help people get the most out of every vehicle, every ride, every race, and every journey. We strive to consistently deliver top tier results behind branded product solutions for our community and shareholders.

The Indirect Procurement Commodity Buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing, cost management, and supplier performance oversight of assigned indirect categories supporting manufacturing, engineering, and corporate operations. This role drives total cost optimization, supplier innovation, risk mitigation, and compliance with corporate procurement standards across North American operations, while collaborating with global commodity teams. and customer engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned indirect commodities (e.g., MRO, capital equipment, facilities services, tooling, logistics, utilities, professional services).
• Conduct RFQs, RFPs, and reverse auctions aligned with Tenneco’s global sourcing framework.
• Lead competitive bidding processes and negotiate pricing, terms, and long-term agreements.
• Identify dual-source strategies to mitigate supply and geopolitical risk.
• Support capital investment procurement initiatives in alignment with plant expansion and modernization programs

Cost Optimization and Value Engineering

• Deliver annual cost reduction targets through:
• Supplier consolidation
• Volume leverage
• Contract renegotiation
• Total cost of ownership modeling
• Partner with engineering and plant leadership on CapEx procurement optimization.
• Track savings through validated financial reporting processes.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Evaluate supplier performance using KPIs (OTD, quality, cost competitiveness, service levels).
• Lead quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with strategic suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with corporate ESG, safety, and quality standards.
• Drive supplier innovation and continuous improvement initiative

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner with - Plant operations including: Engineering, Finance, Maintenance, Corporate stakeholders
• Ensure procurement governance and spend compliance.
• Support ERP procurement processes (SAP / Oracle / etc.).

Risk & Compliance

• Assess supplier financial stability and risk exposure.
• Mitigate tariff, inflation, and supply chain disruptions.
• Ensure contractual protection and regulatory compliance.
• Support internal audit and SOX controls

Performance Metrics

• Cost savings attainment
• Supplier performance scorecard improvement
• Contract coverage ratio
• Working capital impact
• On-time project delivery (CapEx support)

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years automotive procurement experience (indirect preferred)
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations
• Proficiency in ERP systems and sourcing tools
• Knowledge of CapEx procurement highly preferred
• Demonstrated background and proven experience with managing large amounts of data in systems and manipulation with pivot tables, VLOOKUP or BOT programming
• Demonstrated background and proven experience with negotiations and analytical skills
• Working with and/or leading team to drive resolution to supplier invoice disputes
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Office and navigate ERP systems (i.e.. SAP and other)
• Excellent interpersonal, detailed-oriented and English communication skills

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.