MRO Indirect Buyer

Zobility; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Zobility is seeking a Skilled MRO Indirect Buyer in the automotive industry to lead sourcing, negotiation, and contract management for MRO indirect materials and services, with a focus on energy optimization and cost reduction across manufacturing facilities.

You will drive strategic sourcing, manage RFQs, analyze bids, and collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, Facilities, and Production to forecast needs, improve efficiency, ensure ISO-aligned compliance, and report on spend savings.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of high-skilled purchasing or experience in indirect materials/services within an automotive or industrial manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated track record of successful cost reduction and process improvement initiatives.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build consensus and collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP/MRP systems, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis.
• Understanding of the automotive manufacturing process and the critical role of MRO in ensuring up time.
• Knowledge of energy management strategies and regulatory compliance is a plus.
• Systems Proficiency: Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP is often a plus), e-sourcing tools, and strong Microsoft Office Suite skills.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of MRO commodities, maintenance operations, and technical specifications of industrial components.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing and Negotiation: Develop and implement sourcing strategies for MRO indirect materials and energy to secure optimal pricing and terms.
• Energy Management & Optimization: Focus on procurement related to energy and sustainable solutions and negotiate favorable terms for utility services and energy-efficient equipment.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors, managing performance against metrics.
• Inventory and Cost Control: Monitor MRO inventory levels, review usage patterns, and implement strategies to prevent stockouts while minimizing excess inventory.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with Maintenance, Engineering, Facilities, and Production to forecast needs and align procurement with operations.
• Sustainability Focus: Drive initiatives to procure environmentally friendly products and services, explore renewable energy options, and minimize waste.
• Process Improvement and Compliance: Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Use procurement software and ERP/MRP systems to track spend, analyze data, and report on cost savings.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier Relationship Management

Energy Management

Data Analysis

Cross-functional Collaboration

Cost Reduction

Procurement Strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field

CPSM / CPIM certifications

Tools

SAP

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Job description

• Skilled MRO Indirect Buyer in the automotive industry is a strategic procurement professional responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing contracts for all Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) indirect materials and services, with a specific focus on optimizing energy usage and cost reduction within manufacturing facilities.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Sourcing and Negotiation: Develop and implement sourcing strategies for MRO indirect materials and energy to secure optimal pricing and terms. This includes leading Requests for Quotation (RFQ), analyzing bids, and conducting major contract negotiations to achieve cost savings and mitigate risks.


• Energy Management & Optimization: Focus on procurement related to energy and sustainable solutions. This involves analyzing energy consumption data, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and negotiating favorable terms for utility services and energy-efficient equipment in alignment with corporate sustainability goals.


• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors, managing their performance against key metrics (quality, on-time delivery, cost) and implementing corrective actions as needed.


• Inventory and Cost Control: Monitor MRO inventory levels, review usage patterns, and implement strategies to prevent stockouts while minimizing excess inventory and associated costs.


• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal departments, including Maintenance, Engineering, Facilities, and Production, to forecast needs, support project launches, and ensure that procurement decisions align with operational demands.


• Sustainability Focus: Drive initiatives to procure environmentally friendly products and services, explore renewable energy options, and minimize waste in MRO processes. This includes tracking supplier performance on sustainability metrics and incorporating these into sourcing decisions.


• Process Improvement and Compliance: Drive continuous improvement initiatives in the procurement process, ensuring all activities comply with company policies, procedures, and relevant industry regulations (e.g., ISO standards).


• Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize procurement software and ERP/MRP systems (like SAP) to track purchase data, analyze spend, generate reports on procurement activities and cost savings, and manage the "order to pay " cycle.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5+ years of high-skilled purchasing or experience, with a focus on indirect materials/services within an automotive or industrial manufacturing environment.


• Demonstrated track record of successful cost reduction and process improvement initiatives.


• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build consensus and collaborate effectively across diverse teams.


• Proficiency in procurement software, ERP/MRP systems, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis.


• Understanding of the automotive manufacturing process and the critical role of MRO in ensuring up time.


• Knowledge of energy management strategies and regulatory compliance is a plus.


• Systems Proficiency: Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP is often a plus), e-sourcing tools, and strong Microsoft Office Suite skills.


• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of MRO commodities, maintenance operations, and technical specifications of industrial components.

Education/Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field is typically required.


• Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CPIM) are highly valued.