Senior Specialist Technical Purchasing

Kautex Textron; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kautex Textron is seeking a procurement professional to manage sourcing activities within the automotive supply chain. You will handle SOWs, RFQ packages, supplier alignment with standards, and quote governance to ensure timely, cost-effective outcomes.

Responsibilities include leading negotiations, making sourcing recommendations, and coordinating kickoff with AME. The role requires engineering literacy, supplier interfacing experience, and willingness to travel across North America.

Qualifications

• Lead meetings and drive towards solutions with suppliers.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Interface with suppliers' manufacturing tooling and machines.
• Basic understanding of how machines work.
• Knowledge of blow molded parts is a plus.
• Automotive industry experience is a plus.
• Proficient with MS Office, SAP/Ariba, and MS Project.
• Willingness to travel to USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Responsibilities

• Receive Statements of Work (SOWs) from AME/MS teams
• Prepare RFQ packages using the TP application
• Interface with suppliers to ensure alignment with Kautex standards and on-time quote submission
• Conduct internal quote review meetings to validate supplier quote conformity and technical alignment
• Lead supplier negotiations using should-cost analysis, cost history, and benchmarking tools
• Prepare sourcing recommendations for approval by the Director TP or Sourcing Committee
• Upon approval, notify stakeholders and initiate project kickoff with AME
• Approve requisitions in Ariba, ensuring key commercial terms are included
• Drive supplier development, establish service contracts, and support cost reduction initiatives
• Manage supplier performance through capacity planning, timeline optimization, and crisis support

Skills

Supplier meetings

Engineering drawings

Supplier interface

Travel readiness

Education

BS degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Electrical or Supply Chain

Tools

MS Office

SAP/Ariba

MS Project

Job description

Kautex is a global company with over 30 plants in 13 countries. As a leading Tier One automotive supplier, we are a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of plastic fuel systems and beyond. From battery enclosures for use in hybrid and full battery electric vehicles to autonomous cleaning systems, we are advancing solutions for the era of new mobility. Our portfolio also covers high-quality industrial packaging and cast camshafts. Embracing the transformative venture, Kautex offers highly advanced technologies and services worldwide.

We foster career growth, drive groundbreaking talent programs, and champion equal opportunities and sustainability in our business practices and products. By working together as one team and supporting one another, amazing things happen. We push the boundaries of what’s possible, soar to new heights and reach for the extraordinary, being recognized by prestigious awards such as Fair Company, Great place to work (Silao), MINT minded company, or Ecovadis Platinum. We look forward to getting to know you and sharing more about our values and local benefits.

What awaits you:

• Receive Statements of Work (SOWs) from AME/MS teams
• Prepare RFQ packages using the TP application
• Interface with suppliers to ensure alignment with Kautex standards and on-time quote submission
• Conduct internal quote review meetings to validate supplier quote conformity and technical alignment
• Lead supplier negotiations using should-cost analysis, cost history, and benchmarking tools
• Prepare sourcing recommendations for approval by the Director TP or Sourcing Committee
• Upon approval, notify stakeholders and initiate project kick-off with AME
• Approve requisitions in Ariba, ensuring key commercial terms are included
• Drive supplier development, establish service contracts, and support cost reduction initiatives (including low-cost country sourcing)
• Manage supplier performance through capacity planning, timeline optimization, and crisis support (e.g., alternate sourcing, stock search, third-party resources)

What you’ll need to succeed:

• BS Degree: Engineering: Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical or Supply Chain
• Ability to lead meetings and drive towards solutions with suppliers required
• Ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings required
• Experience interfacing with suppliers manuf tooling and machines required
• A base understanding of how machines work is required
• An understanding of how blow molded parts are produced is a plus
• Experience in the automotive industry a plusComputer Skills: MS Office, SAP/ Ariba, MS Project required
• Ability to travel to USA, Canada, Mexico: plants & suppliers required