Strategic Commodity Buyer - Auto Parts Sourcing

TRAM, Inc.; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

TRAM, Inc. in Plymouth, MI, a Japanese-owned automotive parts supplier, is seeking a Commodity Buyer with strong analytical, negotiation, and planning skills to support cost-reduction targets and supplier relationships.

The role requires reading engineering documents, coordinating sourcing activities, and developing commodity strategies with cross-functional teams. Travel of 25-35% is expected, with ERP experience (BPCS) and MS Office proficiency highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, SCM or business field.
• 3+ years experience in auto components purchasing or related field.
• Proven negotiation skills to achieve cost reduction targets.
• Ability to read technical drawings and understand basic engineering documents.
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and leadership skills.
• Strong organizational skills, good mathematics aptitude and problem solving skills.
• Willingness to travel 25-35%.
• Must have experience with ERP software, preferably BPCS.
• Highly proficient with MS Office (Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Lead, negotiate, and coordinate all sourcing functions.
• Analyze supply base capability and quotations to determine most appropriate source.
• Manage key supplier relationships and supplier partnerships.
• Develop and execute commodity strategies to support department and company goals.
• Establish commodity standards: parts list, cost standards, business process work, etc
• Negotiate costs, terms, quality, technology and delivery of materials and/or services
• Work with supply base and internal departments to achieve cost targets
• Work with suppliers on Kaizen, setting targets and implementing APR, VA/VE and cost reduction strategies
• Perform supplier assessments for localization efforts
• Monitor commodity concerns and ensure supply stability
• Maintain contracts and purchase orders and comply with internal controls

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Reading drawings

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, SCM or Business

Tools

BPCS ERP

MS Office

Job description

TRAM, Inc. in Plymouth, MI, a Japanese-owned automotive parts supplier, is seeking a Commodity Buyer with strong analytical, negotiation, and planning skills to support cost-reduction targets and supplier relationships.

The role requires reading engineering documents, coordinating sourcing activities, and developing commodity strategies with cross-functional teams. Travel of 25-35% is expected, with ERP experience (BPCS) and MS Office proficiency highly valued.