Purchasing Agent I

The

Purchasing Agent I

will manage procurement activities for all indirect spend projects as needed by the manufacturing sites. Manges the needs as the primary supply chain interface with the manufacturing sites, senior management, stakeholders, and operations groups.Can be located near one of our locations in Auburn Hills, MI, Salem, IN, St Marys, PA, Germantown, WI, Gallipolis, OH or Conover, NC with the ability to be physically in the plant at least 2-3 days per week.Key Responsibilities:-Knowledge and understanding request for quotation, costing and financial analysis.-Responsible for regional supplier sourcing and management for assigned indirect spend as needed by the manufacturing sites.Research and evaluate suppliers, negotiate costing, and manage relationships with suppliers.Managing RFQ development, timing and distributionFacilitating reviews with cross functional internal teams and approval of suppliersEnsuring fit, form and function of the requested item/service meets the needs of the stakeholders.Total cost analysis, including total landed cost.-Assist and support in the best practices and procedures to ensure optimum sourcing decisions are taken through a consistent process-Manage and resolve supplier disputes with respect to commercial and delivery issues-Support cost reduction opportunities related to process improvements (lean initiatives) and quality improvements with suppliers-Develop and maintain appropriate links between supplier, purchasing, and manufacturing to ensure plant operational requirements are met-Issue and manage purchase orders with suppliers in a timely manner that follows best purchasing practices and meets the business needs.-Accountable for meeting purchasing department goals and individual supplier cost savings performance. Reporting to management monthly cost savings result. Support annual budget development-Maintain records and performance of current supply base-Assist and Support business process improvement projects as neededFormal qualifications required:Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or related field. – CQE, CPM or CPSM certification a plus or 5 years of purchasing experience in lieu of a degree.3-5 years (post degree) experience, preferably in automotive/mechanical/manufacturing industry, with proven record in Conflict management, Project Management, Contract Negotiation, Analysis of spend data as related to sourcing, category management and negotiations, Problem Solving and Cost SavingsKnowledge of plant related machining, manufacturing processes and technologyExperience of working in a global organization. Automotive experience or industrial/plant setting strongly preferredSoft Skills and Other Competencies:Ability to work effectively in a team environment – to effectively listen, challenge and communicateAbility to work independently with limited direct supervisionDemonstrated ability to be proactive and take initiative, including performance of duties exercising independent judgementAbility to maintain confidentialityStrong problem solving, analytical, and project management skills often working on multiple projects simultaneouslyExcellent written and oral communication skills in the English languageExcellent organizational and planning skillsProfessionalism and flexibilityFluent with MS Office productsUp to Travel 20% domesticallyExperience with Kaizen and Value Stream events