Strategic Purchasing Manager – Powertrain & Drivetrain

Tata Technologies; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Tata Technologies in Detroit, MI is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement for Powertrain and Drivetrain commodities within the automotive industry. You will build and execute category strategies, manage a team, and align sourcing with engineering and manufacturing objectives.

This role requires strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, cost reduction, and risk management to ensure quality, delivery, and total cost competitiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years purchasing/procurement experience in automotive or commercial vehicle industry.
• Minimum 3 years of people leadership experience managing purchasing or sourcing teams.
• Strong expertise in category management, strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• Experience in financial analysis, total cost ownership assessments, and supplier business case evaluations.
• Demonstrated supplier development from product development through production.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management with executive-level presentation experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of purchasing category specialists, setting priorities and driving high performance.
• Own category strategies for Powertrain and Drivetrain commodities, ensuring optimal quality, cost, and delivery results.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and cross-functional stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
• Develop and manage supplier selection strategies, preferred supplier lists, and sourcing initiatives.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations, contract management, pricing models, and supplier agreements.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives including value engineering, supplier development, and supply chain improvements.
• Implement risk mitigation and dual/multi-sourcing strategies to ensure continuity of supply.
• Monitor supplier performance, manage escalations, and drive corrective actions where necessary.
• Oversee quote management, market benchmarking, repricing activities, PPV analysis, and cost reduction programs.
• Support supplier development activities from new product introduction through full-scale production.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Leadership

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Tata Technologies in Detroit, MI is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement for Powertrain and Drivetrain commodities within the automotive industry. You will build and execute category strategies, manage a team, and align sourcing with engineering and manufacturing objectives.

This role requires strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, cost reduction, and risk management to ensure quality, delivery, and total cost competitiveness.