Strategic Category Purchaser

Standard Motor Products, Inc.; Lewisville (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Standard Motor Products, Inc. seeks an experienced Strategic Sourcing professional to manage suppliers within a category, lead negotiations, and analyze procurement KPIs. This role collaborates with Category & Product Management, Engineering, and Supply Chain across SMP Group brands.

You will drive supplier performance improvements, coordinate global supplier relationships, and develop data-driven strategies aligned with the operating model. Some international travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics or Engineering.
• Strong communication skills and professional demeanor.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with mid-level Excel experience.
• Solid commercial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies in partnership with the team.
• Execute supplier negotiations and manage pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Analyze procurement KPIs for the category.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Category & Product Management, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
• Align with other Nissens & SMP Group entities and brands.
• Drive improvements in supplier performance.
• Support cross-functional projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Commercial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics or Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

MS Excel

Job description

• Manage suppliers within an assigned category, including approximately 25 product groups.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Analyze procurement KPIs for the category.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Category & Product Management, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
• Align with other Nissens & SMP Group entities and brands.
• Drive improvements in supplier performance.
• Support cross-functional projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage suppliers within an assigned category, including approximately 25 product groups.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Analyze procurement KPIs for the category.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Category & Product Management, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
• Align with other Nissens & SMP Group entities and brands.
• Drive improvements in supplier performance.
• Support cross-functional projects.

Core Tasks

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies in partnership with the team.
• Execute tasks in accordance with the operating model.
• Conduct global supplier visits and manage supplier relationships.
• Maintain and update master data.
• Perform supplier negotiations and strategic performance analyses.

Working Relationships

• Collaborate with all members of the Strategic Purchasing team across brands and entities within the Nissens & SMP Groups.
• Work closely with Category Managers, Product Managers, Supply Chain Management, Quality, and Engineering.

Professional Competencies

• Strong and professional communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, mid-level MS Excel experience.
• Solid commercial acumen.

Personal Competencies

• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Team-oriented mindset.
• Self-starter, independent
• Commitment to learning and professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics or Engineering.