Purchasing Manager

Tata Technologies; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Tata Technologies in Detroit, MI is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement for Powertrain and Drivetrain commodities within the automotive industry. You will build and execute category strategies, manage a team, and align sourcing with engineering and manufacturing objectives.

This role requires strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, cost reduction, and risk management to ensure quality, delivery, and total cost competitiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years purchasing/procurement experience in automotive or commercial vehicle industry.
• Minimum 3 years of people leadership experience managing purchasing or sourcing teams.
• Strong expertise in category management, strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• Experience in financial analysis, total cost ownership assessments, and supplier business case evaluations.
• Demonstrated supplier development from product development through production.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management with executive-level presentation experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of purchasing category specialists, setting priorities and driving high performance.
• Own category strategies for Powertrain and Drivetrain commodities, ensuring optimal quality, cost, and delivery results.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and cross-functional stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
• Develop and manage supplier selection strategies, preferred supplier lists, and sourcing initiatives.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations, contract management, pricing models, and supplier agreements.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives including value engineering, supplier development, and supply chain improvements.
• Implement risk mitigation and dual/multi-sourcing strategies to ensure continuity of supply.
• Monitor supplier performance, manage escalations, and drive corrective actions where necessary.
• Oversee quote management, market benchmarking, repricing activities, PPV analysis, and cost reduction programs.
• Support supplier development activities from new product introduction through full-scale production.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Leadership

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

At Tata Technologies we make product development dreams a reality by designing, engineering, and validating the products of tomorrow for the world’s leading manufacturers. Due to our continued growth, we are now recruiting for a Job Title to strengthen our team in Location.

Job Title: Purchasing Manager – Powertrain & Drivetrain

Location: Detroit, MI

Duration: Full Time

At Tata Technologies, we make product development dreams a reality by designing, engineering, and validating the products of tomorrow for the world's leading manufacturers. We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead our procurement and category management activities for Powertrain and Drivetrain commodities within the automotive/commercial vehicle industry.

If you are a strategic sourcing leader with strong commercial acumen, supplier management expertise, and a passion for driving cost, quality, and supply chain excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of purchasing category specialists, setting priorities and driving high performance.
• Own and execute category strategies for Powertrain and Drivetrain commodities, ensuring optimal quality, cost, and delivery results.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and cross-functional stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
• Develop and manage supplier selection strategies, preferred supplier lists, and sourcing initiatives.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations, contract management, pricing models, and supplier agreements.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives including value engineering, supplier development, and supply chain improvements.
• Implement risk mitigation and dual/multi-sourcing strategies to ensure continuity of supply.
• Monitor supplier performance, manage escalations, and drive corrective actions where necessary.
• Oversee quote management, market benchmarking, repricing activities, PPV analysis, and cost reduction programs.
• Support supplier development activities from new product introduction through full-scale production.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of purchasing/procurement experience within the automotive or commercial vehicle industry.
• Minimum 3 years of people leadership experience managing purchasing or sourcing teams.
• Strong expertise in category management, strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• Proven experience conducting financial analysis, total cost ownership assessments, and supplier business case evaluations.
• Demonstrated supplier development experience from product development through production launch and ongoing operations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with experience presenting to executive leadership.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive or Commercial Vehicle Industry Experience
• Professional certifications in Procurement, Supply Chain, Contract Management, or Project Management
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, APQP, and PPAP methodologies

What You'll Bring

• Strategic sourcing and category management expertise
• Advanced negotiation and commercial management skills
• Supplier relationship and performance management experience
• Cost reduction and productivity improvement leadership
• Risk management and supply continuity planning
• Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment

Why Tata Technologies?

At Tata Technologies, you'll work with industry-leading customers and help shape the future of mobility, manufacturing, and engineering innovation. We offer an environment that encourages collaboration, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a measurable business impact.