Senior Buyer/Commodity Manager - Automotive

GENERAL SUMMARY The Senior Raw Material Buyer / Commodity Manager will directly support the establishment of Raw Material (Carbon & Stainless Steel) purchasing strategies in alignment with the overall strategic direction of NASG North America. To include developing annual cost management strategies, achieving annual cost reduction targets, identifying & validating potential new suppliers, issuing new program RFQs, preparing and presenting new business award proposals, and leading supplier management activities through new program ramp-up.      ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Manage the commercial performance of a large raw material (Carbon & Stainless Steel) supply base to ensure best-cost achievement while simultaneously mitigating unnecessary risk. Responsible for supporting and implementing procurement strategies for assigned commodities that align with overall business objectives. Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure new model launch activities meet budgeted cost targets and timing milestone requirements. Becoming the sourcing-lead for raw materials (RFQ release, Analysis, Negotiation, Award, and Kick-Off). Investigate and engage potential new vendors to support long-term strategies for cost improvement, supply risk management, and the overall NASG corporate direction. Develop relationships through strong communication and negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders. Lead project or process continuous improvement activities of diverse scope, working independently or as part of a project team, making recommendations based on detailed analysis and applying results to drive improvements. Responsible for tactical procurement activities needed to support NASG production. Create, implement & maintain cost adjustment mechanisms for assigned commodities. Develop, track, and report KPIs for assigned supplier deck with strong focus on continuous improvement Maintain understanding of influencing factors within the Steel & Automotive industries. Conduct "Spot-buys" when & where necessary. Support Production & Inventory Control (PIC) groups as required within the scope of Purchasing Roles & Responsibilities. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS Education: Bachelor’s degree in in Supply Chain, Business Management or Metallurgy, or minimum 5 years automotive management experience in Purchasing, Materials Management or Production Operations.      NAPM (A.P.P. C.P.M.) or APICS (CPIM, CIRM) certification preferred.   Experience: 3 years of progressive experience in a supply chain and/or manufacturing operations environment with direct responsibilities for raw material (steel) procurement. Automotive Purchasing experience preferred. Prior experience with multi-site responsibility in a manufacturing setting preferred. Clear working knowledge of materials market indices and how to apply. Strong supplier negotiation skills. Deep knowledge of influencing factors which drive costs. Ability to maintain company records in compliance with IATF-16949 requirements. Ability to work at all levels with company management, vendors, and customers (as required).   Personal/Technical Skills: General understanding and working knowledge of the metal stamping, assembly, and welding process within an automotive manufacturing environment highly preferred Must have the ability to prioritize workload within a fast-paced environment. Excellent judgment (data based) and problem-solving skills required. Must be able to work within a team. Both as leader and member.   Strong negotiation and consulting skills, with the ability to influence others. Proven ability to manage multiple projects. Ability to develop and implement strategic plans through persuasion, education, and training. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, logically, persuasively, and accurately, both verbally and in writing.   Language Skills: Must be able to clearly speak, read, write, and understand the primary language (English or Spanish) used in the workplace. Ability to effectively present information to management, and/or cross functional teams in English.   Computer/Software: Must demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, Internet, etc.). Working knowledge and experience with ERP/MRP software.   Training:  New Hire Orientation Environmental, Health, & Safety IATF-16949 Systems ISO-14001 Systems Introduction to Lean Associate Involvement Workplace Organization – 5S Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) TQPS Workshop ShopEdge ERP System Purchasing Procedures QCBD Document Control   WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS Office:  Open Office Environment Plant:  Various types of manufacturing environments. Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level.  PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, Kevlar sleeves, hearing protection, etc. may be required in designated engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas.  Personal attire standards may apply. Involves moderate or occasional presence of some slightly disagreeable conditions, i.e., cold, dust, heat, odor, etc.   Travel: Must be willing to travel up to 10% of the time with travel most commonly limited to less than 5%. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   Although the primary job functions involve the ability to sit and work on a computer and in an office situation for extensive periods of time, the associate must be capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time. The associate is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms; and talk, see, and hear. The associate is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The associate must be able to frequently lift and / or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds and infrequently lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.   DISCLAIMERThis job description is intended to identify the general nature and level of work performed by associates within this classification, as well as certain essential job functions.  It is not intended, and should not be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice, based on operational needs.  To qualify for this job, however, an associate must be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  Under no circumstances may this job description be construed as altering the at-will nature of the employment relationship between NASG and any associate.