Commodity Buyer

thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc. is a world class manufacturer of suspension solutions headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio USA. thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America supplies products to a wide range of Original Equipment Automotive Manufacturers as well as Aftermarket and Motorsports customers. Our Aftermarket operations are based out of Poway, CA and our Motorsports operations are based out of Mooresville, NC.

For decades, the name BILSTEIN has been synonymous with high tech in suspension design, driving comfort, and safety. In order to expand this position BILSTEIN became a division of thyssenkrupp Technologies AG in 1988, and a wholly owned subsidiary in 2005. This partnership has enabled us to continue the BILSTEIN tradition of excellence.

Summary:

The Commodity Buyer leads a cross-functional team to ensure on-time sourcing and supply of goods and services within assigned commodity categories at the Best Total Value for the organization; develops, plans, and executes sourcing strategies to achieve cost savings and supply continuum; negotiates, creates, and maintains supply agreements; ensures compliance of all activities with policies related to Compliance, Sustainability and Risk Management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains a safe working environment by complying with all safety and environmental policies in the workplace. Advocates for and promotes a safe work environment by reporting Near Misses and/or other safety and environmental hazards, wearing all required PPE and encouraging others to do the same.
• Conducts supply inquiries, requests for quotes, price negotiations, price comparisons, and prepares sourcing decisions in alignment with defined procurement processes.
• Prepares and conducts negotiations based on cost objectives, market conditions, design and cost models, using appropriate methods and tools (e.g. e-auctions).
• Searches, identifies, qualifies, develops and manages suppliers to secure the best possible commercial conditions for the organization while ensuring full technical and operational performance, in alignment with applicable global and regional commodity strategies and organizational policies (e.g. sustainability).
• Monitors price and market development for the relevant raw materials and commodities.
• Develops and implements sourcing strategies for assigned sourcing categories in order to achieve total cost savings.
• Supports the Bilstein Group and the thyssenkrupp Clusters and Regions in the development and implementation of Purchasing strategies, improvement measures, and best practices on methods and tools.
• Monitors supplier performance, ensures improvement measures are being defined and implemented when necessary; supports the organization by escalating problems.
• Collaborates with relevant functions, such as Logistics, Quality, Production and Engineering for cost-down and optimization activities.
• Challenges and improves efficiency and effectiveness of purchasing processes and tasks.
• Consolidates and documents savings and other relevant Key Performance Indicators
• Ensures compliance of all activities with policies related to Compliance, Sustainability and Risk Management.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience as a Buyer in a IATF16949 Tier I or II automotive company preferred.
• Experience in international business and supplier sourcing preferred
• Experience buying engineered components (e.g. metal stampings, compression and injection rubber, screw machine & CNC parts, plastic injection molded parts, blow molded plastic, weldments, hot & cold formed springs, tube products) preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of purchasing processes to include supplier selection techniques, request for quote, negotiation and sourcing decision.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience working with large ERP systems (SAP MM preferred).
• Demonstrated negotiation skills, including preparation and knowledge of levers.
• Experience negotiating Terms & Conditions in accordance with business standards and requirements
• Strong business acumen and analytical skills.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective supplier relationships.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to trouble shoot, solve problems and conflicts independently with limited direction from supervisor.
• Team player, able to work in a cross-functional and global matrix organization.
• Highly organized with ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Exhibits integrity through fair and ethical behaviors in all activities; maintains accountability for performance.
• Strong attention to detail with well-developed organizational and communication skills.
• Proven experience developing work processes to improve outcomes for the team/customers.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management/Business/Engineering or related field required.

Bilstein has great benefits to offer!

• A state-of-the-art OE manufacturing plant with a strong focus on safety and cleanliness.
• Multiple competitive Health, Dental & Vision Coverage options.
• 401K matching program.
• Paid time off + 13 paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer hours.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Gym reimbursement.
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Internal growth opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Discounted BILSTEIN products.