Senior Director Purchasing

Lumentis; Novi (MI); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumentis, a global designer and manufacturer of advanced automotive lighting solutions, seeks a Senior Director, Purchasing based in Novi, MI. You will develop and execute the global purchasing strategy, lead a world-class sourcing organization, and partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Quality to support OEM launches and ensure supply continuity.

This executive role emphasizes cost competitiveness, supplier relationships, risk management, and sustainability, with 25–50% travel.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive purchasing and supply chain leadership experience.
• 8+ years leading global procurement in automotive industry.
• Experience with Tier 1 automotive suppliers serving global OEMs.
• Proven ability to conduct cost modeling and contract negotiations.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP preferred), Excel, and procurement analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global purchasing strategy aligned to company objectives.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, and long-term relationships.
• Negotiate commercial agreements including pricing and terms.
• Drive cost reduction and value engineering programs.
• Ensure supply continuity and risk mitigation across regions.
• Lead and develop global purchasing teams across regions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Quality.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Financial acumen

Change leadership

Talent development

Tools

SAP

Excel

Procurement analytics

Job description

Lumentis is a global designer and manufacturer of advanced automotive lighting solutions that enhance safety and brand identity for leading automakers worldwide. With decades of industry experience, Lumentis delivers headlamps, tail lamps, signal, and ambient lighting systems from concept through series production. Lumentis combines optical engineering, electronics, and software expertise to create innovative LED, adaptive, and dynamic lighting technologies. As a trusted partner to major automotive brands, Lumentis offers a technologically advanced, collaborative environment for professionals seeking to drive innovation in vehicle lighting.

Role Description

The Senior Director, Purchasing is a full-time hybrid position based in Novi, Michigan. The Senior Director of Purchasing is responsible for developing and executing the global purchasing strategy to support the company's business objectives, customer commitments, and financial targets. This executive leader oversees the procurement of direct and indirect materials, manages strategic supplier relationships, drives cost competitiveness, ensures supply continuity, and leads purchasing teams across multiple regions.

Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, Finance, Quality, and Sales, the Senior Director of Purchasing plays a critical role in supporting automotive OEM launches, maintaining supplier performance, mitigating supply chain risks, and delivering best-in-class sourcing strategies for advanced automotive lighting systems.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a global purchasing strategy aligned with corporate objectives and customer requirements.
• Establish annual and long-term cost reduction initiatives that improve profitability while maintaining quality and delivery performance.
• Lead strategic sourcing activities for electronic components, semiconductors, plastics, metals, optics, mechanical assemblies, tooling, packaging, logistics, and indirect services.
• Develop sourcing strategies supporting new technologies, product innovation, localization, and global manufacturing footprints.
• Build and lead a high-performing global purchasing organization focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop strategic partnerships with key global suppliers.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, and long-term relationship management.
• Negotiate commercial agreements including pricing, payment terms, tooling, intellectual property, capacity commitments, and long-term supply agreements.
• Evaluate supplier financial health, operational capability, and risk exposure.
• Drive supplier performance improvements related to quality, delivery, cost, technology, and sustainability

Cost Management

• Lead annual material cost reduction programs through negotiations, value engineering, should-cost analysis, and productivity initiatives.
• Support customer cost-down requirements while protecting company profitability.
• Monitor commodity markets and develop strategies to minimize material cost volatility.
• Partner with Finance to establish purchasing budgets, forecasts, and savings targets.

Supply Chain Risk Management

• Develop strategies to ensure continuity of supply for critical components.
• Lead mitigation plans for supply disruptions, geopolitical risks, tariffs, logistics constraints, and capacity shortages.
• Establish dual-source and business continuity strategies where appropriate.

New Product Development

• Partner with Engineering and Program Management during product development.
• Ensure supplier involvement in design reviews, cost optimization, manufacturability, and timing.
• Support successful APQP activities and launch readiness.
• Lead sourcing activities for new program awards and customer launches.

Operational Excellence

Standardize purchasing processes across global operations and establish, monitor, and drive performance against key purchasing KPIs, including:

• Material cost savings
• PPV (Purchase Price Variance)
• Inventory performance
• Supplier capacity utilization
• Contract compliance
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the purchasing organization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing to support production requirements.
• Collaborate with Supplier Quality to improve supplier performance.
• Work closely with Legal on commercial agreements.
• Coordinate with Logistics to optimize transportation and inventory strategies.

Compliance and Sustainability

• Ensure compliance with automotive industry standards and customer-specific requirements.
• Maintain adherence to applicable trade regulations, import/export requirements, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Promote supplier sustainability initiatives, including environmental stewardship, responsible sourcing, and carbon reduction objectives.
• Support compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 14001, conflict minerals reporting, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead and develop global purchasing teams across multiple regions.
• Establish succession planning and talent development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Mentor purchasing leaders and high-potential employees.
• Manage departmental budgets and organizational performance.

Experience

• 15+ years of progressive purchasing and supply chain leadership experience.
• 8+ years leading global procurement organizations within the automotive industry.
• Experience supporting Tier 1 automotive suppliers serving global OEM customers.
• Demonstrated success negotiating complex global supply agreements.
• Experience with electronic components, semiconductors, plastics, metal stampings, injection molding, optics, wiring, and automotive assemblies preferred.
• Strong understanding of automotive product development, APQP, PPAP, and launch management.
• Experience managing purchasing operations across North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Strong knowledge of Automotive OEM purchasing requirements and supply chain practices
• Experience in commodity management, strategic sourcing, and supplier development
• Proven ability to conduct cost modeling, should-cost analysis, and contract negotiations
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP preferred), Excel, and procurement analytics
• Knowledge of supply chain risk management, global logistics, and international trade
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles
• Strategic thinker with strong business and financial acumen
• Influential leader with exceptional negotiation and decision-making skills
• Proven ability to lead change and drive results in a fast-paced environment
• Skilled at building relationships and leading across cultures and functions
• Passion for developing talent and fostering high-performing teams
• Customer-focused, collaborative, and guided by integrity in all interactions

Travel

Domestic and international travel of approximately 25–50% is required to support suppliers, manufacturing facilities, customer meetings, and global business operations.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and business needs, without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process upon request.