Lead Buyer

Astemo Ltd.; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Astemo Ltd. is seeking a Lead Buyer, Professional Services, Software & IT to lead strategic sourcing across professional services, software, SaaS, IT hardware, and technology-related services in the US region.

The role partners with IT, Finance, Legal, and stakeholders to deliver cost savings, mitigate risk, and optimize supplier performance. It requires data analysis, contract negotiation, and cross-functional leadership.

Qualifications

• Ability to analyze/interpret large amounts of data (costs/supplier proposals).
• Pursue ongoing cost-reduction activities to meet/exceed goals.
• Ability to lead groups and designate responsibilities as needed.
• Excellent communication with management levels.
• Handle multiple projects independently to achieve dept./company objectives.
• Understand contract law and ethical standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier relationships and regional activities.
• Develop regional commodity strategies and regional cost-reduction projects.
• Manage supplier selection for PSI categories and subcategories.
• Support regional contract negotiations and new program launches.
• Perform cost analysis and market analysis; participate in quoting activities.
• Plan long-term supplier development and base strategic commodities.

Skills

Data analysis

Cost analysis

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication

Business acumen

Supplier management

Influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

Contract management systems

Job description

The Lead Buyer, Professional Services, Software & IT is responsible for leading strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiations, and procurement activities across professional services, software, SaaS, IT hardware, telecommunications, and technology-related services. This role partners closely with business stakeholders, IT, Finance, Legal, and suppliers to deliver cost savings, mitigate risk, optimize supplier performance, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives. The Lead Buyer serves as a category expert and procurement advisor, driving sourcing strategies and continuous improvement initiatives. Responsible for managing all purchasing activities related to their assigned category that are in line with the respective purchasing strategies in their region.

Job Description:

Responsible for all aspects of the Supplier relationship with Astemo including:

• Supporting Regional activities and projects
• Working with Manager to develop regional commodity strategies and Regional (Mexico / Brazil) Cost Reduction projects
• Managing the supplier selection process for key PSI categories and subcategories.
• Supporting Regional contract negotiations agreements
• Supporting new program launches
• Cost analysis, cost reduction strategies, market analysis, quoting activities
• Long –term planning and development of suppliers and commodity base

Qualifications:

• Ability to analyze/interpret large amounts of data (costs/supplier proposals)
• Ability to seek on-going cost reduction activities to establish, meet and exceed goals
• Ability to lead groups and designate responsibilities as needed
• Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with various levels of management within the organization
• Ability to handle multiple projects independently to satisfactorily achieve dept./co. objectives
• Possess high ethical standards of professional conduct and a basic understanding of contract law
• Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Financial & Spend Analysis
• Stakeholder Management
• Business Acumen
• Project Management
• Communication & Influence
• Problem Solving & Decision Making

Preferred:

• Knowledge of cloud service providers, cybersecurity requirements and technology procurement practices.

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration or related field preferred or in Business or Finance fields.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience in purchasing or related field.

Job level determined by various factors such as organization size, responsibility, career stage, and capabilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Working conditions:

• Physical Demands: Required to sit or stand for long periods of time. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Have ability to work 40 – 60 hours per week.
• Travel: The candidate will need to travel to suppliers and/or Astemo locations as required. International travel may also be required.