Category Purchasing Lead

Job Summary:

The Category Purchasing Lead will manage purchasing activities for purchased components and materials as a key member of the Project Cross-Functional Team. This individual will manage and effectively communicate timelines for all purchasing activities to meet project milestones and purchasing deliverables. The position will act as functional lead, supporting a development process and work in close collaboration with program management, engineering, quality, business development, and manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

• Represent Purchasing organization in the cross-functional team from the conception of the program till the end of life.
• Lead for major category of Thermal, Mechanical, Electronics, or Adhesion.
• Utilize market research and industry data to analyze trends for the category and develop strategies that align with the future trends for the market.
• Support the business segments and cross-functional team on business pursuits for all purchased components and assist in cost estimating pre-quotations.
• Coordinate with purchasing team the source selection and kick off purchased components to meet or exceed the awarded program cost, quality, and delivery.
• Support cross-functional team initiatives around lead time reduction and cost improvements.
• Develop recovery plans for components' late deliverables.
• Communicate supplier risks regarding the launch of a program to a cross-functional team.
• Maintain relevant Purchasing reports as required for management review.
• Maintain regular feedback to management regarding the status category components that support all programs.
• Support adherence to all statutory regulations concerning health, safety, and environmental standards, as well as the company's sustainable development program.
• Demonstrate commitment to the principle of continuous improvement.
• Category budget setting responsibility and activities to support positive profitability improvements.
• Assist in special assignments.
• Adhere to federal and state regulations.
• Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
• Predictable and reliable attendance.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Business, Economics, Engineering, or Supply Chain from a four-year college or university.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in purchasing for the automotive industry.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience purchasing battery management systems components or similar components in a manufacturing setting.
• Battery module background a plus.
• MRP system experience (Plex a plus).
• Ability to thrive, without much oversight, in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment.

Key Competencies:

• Thinks Strategically: Acts with the long-term future in mind. Considers future impact when weighing decisions. Anticipates trends and future consequences.
• Takes Calculated Risks: Takes calculated risks to achieve goals. Finds a balance between analysis and action. When fails, accepts it, learns from it, and moves on to the next challenge.
• Decision Making & Analysis: Makes sound decisions based upon a mixture of data-driven analysis, expertise, experience, and judgment; collects relevant information, seeking input from others, and identifies connections and/or root causes of problems.
• Takes Initiative: Exhibits strong drive for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.
• Integrity: Acts and makes decisions in a manner consistent with the needs of the public in delivery of products/services. Acts in line with the culture and norms of both the organization and society in general.
• Leads Change: Persistently moves in the face of ambiguity, dilemmas, and resistance to get completion of changes in an organized way; adapts with flexibility to and copes with changing situations while maintaining focus on goals.
• Continual Improvement: Displays a consistent orientation toward producing the highest quality products or services while keeping a focus on sustainability. Constantly looking for incremental improvements in work processes and results.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen.
• May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about in industrial environments and on uneven terrain.
• Works in a temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions and in industrial environments.
• The noise level in the work environment can be moderately loud.

Why Join Us

American Battery Solutions (ABS) provides comprehensive 100% employer paid benefit plans to employees and their family, competitive salary and retirement program. ABS employs a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Benefits Overview

• Paid time off includes 4 weeks, 15 holidays, and parental leave.
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) offerings.
• Company provided 401K savings plan with immediately vested matching contributions to help you save for retirement.
• Voluntary benefits offerings.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Employee development and career growth opportunities.

About Us

American Battery Solutions Inc. (“ABS”) is a manufacturer of advanced batteries for commercial, fleet, and industrial on- and off-road vehicles. Located in the heart of the U.S. automotive region with facilities in Michigan and Ohio. In 2023, ABS was acquired by Komatsu, a world leader in construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment in support of Komatsu’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. ABS continues to operate as an independent entity serving Komatsu applications while continuing to expand and grow our core commercial, fleet and industrial business.

As we have grown, ABS has assembled a world-class team of dedicated and experienced engineers. This team is equipped with a deep understanding of high-voltage, automotive-grade battery systems from concept development and prototyping, to testing and validation, to high-volume production. We pride ourselves on developing a diverse team of next generation battery experts.

The Location - Lake Orion

American Battery Solutions Headquarters and Innovation Center is located in the heart of South-East Michigan in Orion Township. Orion Township is a Pure Michigan Trail Town that has a long-standing dedication to enhancing trails and pathways in its community, which is home to the Polly Ann Trail, Paint Creek Trail, and Iron Belle Trail. The township boasts more than 50 miles of trails. Southeast Michigan also boasts some of the best eating around! Whether your interest is in furthering your education, enjoying one of the many regional sporting events, or enjoying the vast outdoors that Michigan has to offer, you’ll be at the center of it here!

AMERICAN BATTERY SOLUTIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.