Purchasing Team Lead

Schaeffler; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Schaeffler is seeking a Team Leader for Business Unit Purchasing in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This role involves leading a team to meet customer requests, manage costs, and launch projects. The successful candidate will ensure supplier selection and alignment with purchasing strategies, drive cost-saving initiatives, and handle the budgeting process.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and extensive experience in purchasing or supply chain management. Strong leadership and negotiation skills are essential for this exciting opportunity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years professional experience in purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain management.
• Ability to interface with cross-functional teams and all levels of personnel.
• 1+ years of managerial experience – preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead E-Mobility Business Unit Purchasing Group to achieve cost structure.
• Manage E-Mobility project launches with Purchasing.
• Drive RFQs and follow up for on-time delivery.

Skills

Negotiation

Project Management

Problem-solving

People Development

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, purchasing, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Schaeffler is a dynamic global technology company with a long history of private ownership. As a partner to all major automobile manufacturers, aerospace and industrial sectors, we offer many development opportunities.

General Information

The Team Leader for Business Unit Purchasing will lead a team focused on winning new business for Schaeffler by meeting customer quote requests, target costs, and launch timelines. This role supports the Controls Business Unit within the E‑Mobility Division and serves as the purchasing lead on applicable projects and program teams. They will also drive cost reduction initiatives, supplier selection and development, and alignment with regional and global purchasing strategies. In addition, the position will support negotiations and develop the team to cost, source, and launch new projects across North America.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead relevant E‑Mobility Business Unit Purchasing Group with direct reports to achieve the correct cost structure, launches on time and technical cost reduction initiatives.
• Project Management for launching E‑Mobility projects (pursuing and awarded) with Purchasing.
• Drive Category Purchasing for results in RFQs, kickoff and follow‑up for on‑time delivery to meet necessary milestones.
• Conduct new supplier search and development to support the Business Unit Purchasing Projects.
• Participate and/or lead technical cost‑saving initiatives for the assigned/respective projects.
• Support budget process for department and third‑party costs.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes with a goal of reducing total costs.
• Support North America footprint strategy development and implementation.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, purchasing, or related field.
• 5+ years professional experience in purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain management.
• Strong negotiation, project management, problem‑solving, and people‑development skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• Ability to interface with cross‑functional teams and all levels of personnel and management both domestic and abroad.
• Excellent PC skills with a focus on Microsoft Office suites.
• Excellent communication ability (written & verbal) with advanced presentation skills.
• Extremely self‑motivated & driven to achieve results.
• 1+ years of managerial experience – preferred.
• MRP experience – preferred.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Schaeffler is an equal employment opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive equal opportunities and consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.