Plant Buyer

Objective of the Position: The position represents the direct interface between the external supplier and internal functions. Assure the supply of parts and/or equipment from external suppliers to avoid any production stop at ET and customer. Ensure correct master data/pricing in our ERP systems and support of ETM Commodity Buyer/CTM ASC in regard to customer programs and flawless launches. Contribution to the achievement of procurement targets

Essential Accountabilities: The position incumbent ensures that:

• Provide first level support for suppliers and internal stakeholders in case of problems or deficiencies (e.g. disputes, deviation to invoice, supply issues, claim management, phase-in/phase-out management, …)
• Create single purchase orders (OTS-PO, Tooling-PO, PPAP Order) in SAP and track timing and order confirmations
• Create scheduling agreement in SAP and track order confirmations
• Execute supplier changes, including relocation of manufacturing and/or change of supplier (e.g. coordination of tool transfer) after Gate 4 approval
• Create and maintain vendor records/material master data according to given rules and keep data accurate (especially in SAP)
• Assure accurate pricing in SAP
• Prepare sourcing selections for local suppliers (adopt commodity responsibility for suppliers shipping only to one single plant)
• Support Commodity Management in developing sourcing strategy
• Coordinate local procurement activities (localization)
• Participate in the Kick-Off meeting with nominated local suppliers and internal stakeholders (such as ASC, ASQ, Program Manager, ME) – direct commodities only
• Lead negotiations with local suppliers in case of (engineering) changes, e.g. volume changes, program extensions, etc.
• Support and participate annual budget process. Prepare material price planning per supplier for the respective plant.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities and by this help to achieve cost reduction targets
• Establish & maintain VAVE projects and report out
• Escalation to Commodity Management in case of conflicts or when program or procurement objectives/launches are at risk
• Evaluation and tracking of ECRs together with the supplier(s) to meet timing and EBIT targets (as assigned)
• Interact with other functions (e.g. Controlling) to ensure correct and timely invoicing and payment
• Support program core team (e.g. ASC) as well as extended program team (e.g. Commodity Buyer) in completion of program tasks
• Support Commodity Management in other (not specified above) commodity tasks, e.g. development of sourcing strategies, execution of supplier RFQs, evaluation of supplier quotes, price negotiations, tracking of purchase requisitions, etc.
• Maintain and update procurement tools as assigned
• Form active part of the procurement network
• Upload nomination letters and order confirmations to scheduling agreements concerned (SAP)
• Participate IPT (Initial Production Trial) & MPT (Mass Production Trial)

Secondary Accountabilities: The position incumbent ensures that:

• Involve commodity management, plant SQA as well as PC&L functions as required, e.g. in case of escalations
• Involve plant functions, including plant managers, when required
• Demand timely information and support from Supply Chain CTMs/ETMs, plant functions and/or from other functions.
• Ensure proper data / price quality in SAP
• First level support in terms of supplier quality and logistics issues
• Safeguard flawless program launches.
• Ensure proper upload and storage of contracts.
• Efficient and prompt information flow within the program team and the respective commodity

Requirement Profile

Professional Background / Basic Qualification / Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field.
• Minimum of five years of purchasing experience within the given sub-commodity group (preferably Automotive).
• Minimum three to five years’ experience in Cost Analysis and Supplier Negotiations
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient in Microsoft Office.
• SAP experience a plus.
• Ability to travel domestically by car or plane.

Technical Expertise:

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos, and write simple correspondence.
• Analytical- Synthesize complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
• Business Acumen- Understands business implications of decisions.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement of products for manufacturability.
• Project Management- Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Strives to continuously improve expertise.