Senior Buyer/Commodity Manager - Automotive (Raw Materials and Steel)

ZipRecruiter; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Buyer/Commodity Manager to drive raw material procurement strategies in the automotive sector. This role involves managing a diverse supplier base, developing cost management strategies, and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure successful model launches. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain management, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and innovation in the automotive industry, where your expertise will directly impact operational success and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in automotive management or Bachelor's in related field required.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills essential for success.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement strategies for raw materials to meet business objectives.
• Lead supplier management activities and continuous improvement projects.

Skills

Supplier negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Project management

Ability to prioritize workload

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Management or Metallurgy

NAPM (A.P.P. C.P.M.) or APICS (CPIM, CIRM) certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP/MRP software

ShopEdge ERP System

Job description

Job Description

Senior Buyer/Commodity Manager - Automotive (Raw Materials and Steel)

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Senior Raw Material Buyer / Commodity Manager will directly support the establishment of Raw Material (Carbon & Stainless Steel) purchasing strategies in alignment with the overall strategic direction of NASG North America. This includes developing annual cost management strategies, achieving annual cost reduction targets, identifying & validating potential new suppliers, issuing new program RFQs, preparing and presenting new business award proposals, and leading supplier management activities through new program ramp-up.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Manage the commercial performance of a large raw material (Carbon & Stainless Steel) supply base to ensure best-cost achievement while simultaneously mitigating unnecessary risk.
2. Responsible for supporting and implementing procurement strategies for assigned commodities that align with overall business objectives.
3. Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure new model launch activities meet budgeted cost targets and timing milestone requirements, becoming the sourcing-lead for raw materials (RFQ release, Analysis, Negotiation, Award, and Kick-Off).
4. Investigate and engage potential new vendors to support long-term strategies for cost improvement, supply risk management, and the overall NASG corporate direction.
5. Develop relationships through strong communication and negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders.
6. Lead project or process continuous improvement activities of diverse scope, working independently or as part of a project team, making recommendations based on detailed analysis and applying results to drive improvements.
7. Responsible for tactical procurement activities needed to support NASG production.
8. Create, implement & maintain cost adjustment mechanisms for assigned commodities.
9. Develop, track, and report KPIs for assigned supplier deck with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
10. Maintain understanding of influencing factors within the Steel & Automotive industries.
11. Conduct "Spot-buys" when & where necessary.
12. Support Production & Inventory Control (PIC) groups as required within the scope of Purchasing Roles & Responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Management or Metallurgy, or minimum 5 years automotive management experience in Purchasing, Materials Management or Production Operations.
• NAPM (A.P.P. C.P.M.) or APICS (CPIM, CIRM) certification.

Experience:

• 3+ years of progressive experience in a supply chain and/or manufacturing operations environment with direct responsibilities for raw material (steel) procurement.
• Automotive Purchasing experience.
• Prior experience with multi-site responsibility in a manufacturing setting.
• Clear working knowledge of materials market indices and how to apply.
• Strong supplier negotiation skills.
• Deep knowledge of influencing factors which drive costs.
• Ability to maintain company records in compliance with IATF-16949 requirements.
• Ability to work at all levels with company management, vendors, and customers (as required).

Personal/Technical Skills:

• General understanding and working knowledge of the metal stamping, assembly, and welding process within an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Must have the ability to prioritize workload within a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent judgment (data based) and problem-solving skills required.
• Must be able to work within a team, both as leader and member.
• Strong negotiation and consulting skills, with the ability to influence others.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans through persuasion, education, and training.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, logically, persuasively, and accurately, both verbally and in writing.

Skills:

• Must be able to clearly speak, read, write, and understand the primary language (English or Spanish) used in the workplace.
• Ability to effectively present information to management and/or cross-functional teams in English.

Computer/Software:

• Must demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, Internet, etc.).
• Working knowledge and experience with ERP/MRP software.

Training:

• New Hire
• Environmental, Health, & Safety
• IATF-16949 Systems
• ISO-14001 Systems
• Introduction to Lean
• Associate Involvement
• Workplace Organization – 5S
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• TQPS Workshop
• ShopEdge ERP System
• Purchasing Procedures
• QCBD Document Control