Technical Project Buyer

Rheinmetall; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rheinmetall seeks a Project Buyer to drive cost targets during the Product Development Stage, coordinating with Commodity Managers, Suppliers, and SQD to align on cost and quality targets.

You will manage RFQs, develop supplier nominations, and track PPAP progress, ensuring feasibility and alignment with program timing. Domestic and international travel up to 30% is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in business, project management or engineering.
• 3–5 years of program-related purchasing experience.
• Ability to read technical prints and manage feasibility with engineering and suppliers.
• Track record of cost analyses and supplier quote evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Estimate costs and prepare Quotation-BoM with跨 functional teams.
• Coordinate supplier nomination and development within IST.
• Manage RFQ analysis and cost evaluation with suppliers and CM/SQD teams.
• Ensure on-time PPAP submissions and procurement activities during PDP.
• Travel up to 30% for domestic and international assignments.

Skills

Communication

Analytical

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master Degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

What We Are Looking For

The responsibility of the Project Buyer is to achieve the cost targets of the purchased items during the Product Development Stage (commencing with the product cost accounting at the project start-up and the documented cost development), always under consideration of the quality requirement for and availability of the components.

What We Are Looking For

The responsibility of the Project Buyer is to achieve the cost targets of the purchased items during the Product Development Stage (commencing with the product cost accounting at the project start-up and the documented cost development), always under consideration of the quality requirement for and availability of the components.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Estimate item costs and draw up of the Quotation-BoM in alignment with Commodity Manager, Commodity Buyer, Supplier Quality Development, and – if necessary – of the Purchased Item Cost Analysis Team
• Conclude Letter of Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement NDA
• to nominate a development supplier in coordination with the Commodity Manager, the Commodity Buyer and the Supplier Quality Development. The nomination of a development supplier has to be presented in the IST. The Project Buyer is responsible for coordinating the project activities for CP to present a final supplier decision in the IST, in alignment with CM and SQD
• RFQ to analyze and evaluate cost of components based on selected bidders list using SupplyOn in alignment with the CB and the CM
• Obtain the manufacturing feasibility confirmation from the supplier and PPM-agreement for the RFQs initiated by the PB and clarification of the feasibility evaluation and ppm- agreement in cooperation with SQD and development
• Anticipating cost for Metal market and development of exchange rate and Material cost for future programs
• Support implementation of general Purchasing strategy (e.g. localization, global footprint, etc.)
• Coordinate within the Program Team the timing for new quotations of potential new business.
• Purchase the prototypes items during the Product Development Process (PDP)
• Fill and update the Supplier-Nomination-Forecast-List (SNF) in close alignment with CP team
• Organize meetings to prepare supplier decisions (pre-meeting PB CB SQD) in which the PB informs the team about project timing and volumes, prototype suppliers (if already existing), sold capacities to customer, allowance of amortisation of initial tool costs and project related CSR (customer specific requirements)
• Conduct the Change Management (ECM) and negotiations concerning any design change required during the PDP with the assistance of the Commodity Buyer (CB)
• Continuously monitor on-time PPAP submission, delivery and PPAP approvals during the PDP with the assistance of the Supplier Quality Development (continuous update of monitoring tool SURE within SupplyOn)
• Track costs during the PDP and prepare the revised Q-BoM in the Gate Review Process up to Gate 700
• Attend APQP meetings for new programs
• Experience in two of the following commodities is a distinct advantage for this position: sintered / powder metal parts, castings (high pressure die cast, permanent and semi-permanent mold casting, machining), plastics, stampings, turned Parts
• Support final sourcing decision through collaboration with commodity purchasing and supplier quality development
• Willing and able to travel extensively and work overtime as needed
• Ability to work in an international environment in compliance with Rheinmetall standards
• Support annual Material Cost Planning (MCP) for new projects
• Continuous Supplier Tooling Investment Planning (VIST) by defining project related budgets per calendar year considering payment schedule based on PPAP timing and payment term
• Work with Sales Forecast to establish 3 to 5 year business plan horizon

What Qualifications You Should Have

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master Degree (B.S. Business, B.S. Project Management or B.S. Engineering)
• 3-5 years of experience in program related purchasing activities, supplier evaluation and negotiation
• Technical knowledge and experience in technical manufacturing processes
• Ability to read technical prints and specifications and manage feasibility confirmations with engineering and suppliers
• Evaluate technical BOMs with market prices for calculations. Ability of cost analysis of supplier quotes
• Active management of cost down activities for our products (technical, alternative supplier)
• Ability for domestic and international travel (up to 30%)
• Outstanding communication skills (written and spoken)
• Strong interpersonal skills, international business etiquette
• Outstanding analytical skills
• Outstanding Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)and profound SAP knowledge
• Open, proactive and flexible approach with willingness to work in a constantly evolving/growing environments