Strategic Purchasing Manager – Automotive Manufacturing

Reliance One, Inc.; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Reliance One, Inc. is seeking an experienced procurement leader in Auburn Hills, MI to drive direct-material sourcing for automotive manufacturing.

You will lead strategic sourcing, supplier development, and contract negotiations across steel, aluminum, stampings, and tooling, ensuring cost, quality, and delivery targets are met. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in manufacturing procurement, ERP/MRP experience, and strong MS Office skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing, sourcing, or procurement experience in manufacturing.
• Experience in automotive, high-volume manufacturing, stamping, welding, and assembly is strongly preferred.
• Direct-material sourcing involving steel, aluminum, stampings, fasteners, tooling, or related metals.
• Strong capabilities in strategic sourcing, supplier selection, and supplier development.
• Proven contract-negotiation experience and cost-reduction focus.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and MS Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing and procurement strategies aligned with operations and financial goals.
• Lead strategic sourcing across direct-material categories (steel, aluminum, stampings, fasteners, tooling, assemblies).
• Negotiate contracts, payment terms, rebates, and long-term supplier arrangements.
• Evaluate suppliers through capability assessments and performance reviews.
• Identify and develop new suppliers to diversify and optimize the supply base.
• Establish supplier expectations for quality, delivery, cost, service, and launches.
• Partner with underperforming suppliers to implement corrective actions and find alternatives.
• Support new-business opportunities and program launches ensuring supplier readiness.
• Lead purchasing for new program awards and launches and secure timely quotations.
• Drive improvements in freight, inventory, logistics, and overall supply-chain efficiency.
• Maintain supplier documentation and compliance records; mentor purchasing staff.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Sales, Program Management, Quality, Operations, and Finance.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Supplier management

ERP/MRP experience

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related discipline

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

MS Office Suite

Job description

Reliance One, Inc. is seeking an experienced procurement leader in Auburn Hills, MI to drive direct-material sourcing for automotive manufacturing.

You will lead strategic sourcing, supplier development, and contract negotiations across steel, aluminum, stampings, and tooling, ensuring cost, quality, and delivery targets are met. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in manufacturing procurement, ERP/MRP experience, and strong MS Office skills.