Strategic Commodity Buyer – Direct Materials (Automotive)

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc; Cottondale (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

120 hours PTO

32 hours unplanned PTO

11 paid holidays

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is seeking a Commodity Buyer – Direct Materials to join the Purchasing team in the Tuscaloosa area.

You will develop supplier strategies, analyze markets, and lead supplier negotiations to ensure cost-effective, high-quality direct materials for automotive programs. The role requires a bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of purchasing experience, with strong Excel/PowerPoint skills and ERP/SAP familiarity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering, economics or related field.
• At least 3 years of purchasing or procurement experience.
• Experience with direct materials or automotive components preferred.
• Strong negotiation and supplier-management capabilities.
• Proficiency with MS Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute commodity and supplier strategies for direct materials.
• Lead RFQs, bid comparisons, supplier evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
• Select and manage suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and technical capability.
• Lead supplier negotiations to achieve favorable terms.
• Develop cost estimates and support budget planning for new projects.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues in cost, quality, delivery.
• Support new program purchasing from sourcing through launch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across engineering, quality, logistics, and finance.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Project management

Excel

PowerPoint

ERP knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

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Commodity Buyer - Direct Materials

Purchasing Regular Full-Time Professional Cottondale, AL, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 2190

Commodity Buyer – Direct Materials

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is looking for aCommodity Buyer – Direct Materials to join our Purchasing team in the Tuscaloosa area. This is an opportunity to play a key role in sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, cost management, and new program support within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

As a Tier 1 automotive supplier, we work closely with major automotive customers and leading suppliers to deliver high-quality products on time and at a competitive cost. In this role, you will have the opportunity to directly influence purchasing decisions, supplier performance, and the overall competitiveness of our business.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute commodity and supplier strategies for assigned direct-material categories.
• Analyze markets, supplier capabilities, pricing, and cost trends to identify sourcing opportunities.
• Lead RFQs, bid comparisons, supplier evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
• Select and manage suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and technical capability.
• Lead supplier negotiations to achieve competitive pricing and favorable commercial terms.
• Develop cost estimates and support budget planning for new projects and ongoing business.
• Identify and drive cost-reduction, supplier consolidation, and purchasing synergy opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and business partners.
• Monitor supplier performance and help resolve quality, delivery, cost, capacity, and service issues.
• Initiate and monitor supplier development and continuous improvement activities.
• Support new program and project purchasing activities from sourcing through launch.
• Participate in cross-functional teams with Engineering, Quality, Logistics, Finance, Program Management, and Operations.
• Monitor supplier pricing, timing, commitments, and other commercial requirements for awarded projects.
• Drive achievement of established purchasing savings and cost-reduction targets.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, sourcing, and project information.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, procedures, and applicable quality requirements.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Economics, Materials Management, Purchasing, or a related field preferred.
• At least3 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in an automotive or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with direct materials or commodities such as resin, plastics, molded components, decorated products, interior components, exterior components, or similar materials preferred.
• Experience working with national and international suppliers preferred.
• Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to analyze quotations, costs, market conditions, and sourcing opportunities.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• SAP or other ERP experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support suppliers and business requirements.
• 120 hours of PTO
• 32 hours of unplanned PTO
• 11 paid holidays
• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Benefits-eligible employees may enroll in health, dental, and vision coverage effective the first of the month following their date of hire.

Why Join SMP?

At SMP Automotive Systems Alabama, you'll be part of a global automotive organization wherePassion for Excellence, Accountability, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork, and Integrity are at the center of how we work.

This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of assigned commodities, build meaningful supplier relationships, contribute to new vehicle programs, and directly impact the cost and competitiveness of our operation.

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama area
Department: Purchasing
Reports To: Regional Purchasing Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and are committed to providing an environment where employees can contribute, grow, and succeed.