Project Buyer

SUMMARY

The Project Buyer is responsible for the achievement of purchasing related objectives & goals in regard to function, quality, cost and timeline at the respective milestones and quality gates within PDP.  Responsible to provide costed Bill of Material ( BOM) for acquisitional programs, select & source suppliers, manage the BOM and successfully launch programs on time. Experience with purchasing  plastic injection parts, elastomers, electrical/electrification components, aluminum castings, fasteners/inserts, stampings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads Purchasing activities for purchase components and material as a key member of the project core team within the Product Development Process (PDP). Regional and global as assigned.

• Work with Engineering at initial design concept to assist with attaining target cost.

• Inquire, evaluate, negotiate and select suppliers based on the approved supplier panel additionally; new supplier development for new products is required, ensure MAHLE Specification, quality expectation and market competitiveness are achieved.

• Conduct supplier evaluations and process audits for purchased components based on feasibility.

• Schedules technical component reviews

• Evaluate and assess supplier’s quotations to ensure commercial, technical and quality requirements are achieved. Evaluate and provide component costing based on program BOM timing.

• Lead sourcing decision committees, in accordance to MAHLE Purchasing Procedures and work with commodity buyer (regional and global) to leverage best overall landed costs

• In conjunction with Quality and Engineer create list of critical purchased components.

• Ensure completion of purchased component APQP

• Coordinate simultaneous engineering with suppliers.

• Communicate supplier risks to project team.

• Track and report savings

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. or B.S in Supply Chain Management, Business or Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial) required.

• Minimum of 7 years of automotive project purchasing required in an Automotive Manufacturing Tier 1 environment (cross-functional exposure preferred - technical and commercial experience).

• Computer Literate (Advanced level of MS - Office, Internet and office automation tools in general).

• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.  This includes strong persuasive skills, assertiveness, and ability to work under pressure, be analytical, proactive, and innovative. 

• Demonstrated facilitation, problems solving and decision making skills.

• Strong negotiation, financial cost analysis, market analysis, continuous improvement, problem solving, time and project management skills. 

• Ability to read blue prints and specifications required.

• Familiarity with Quality and Manufacturing tools such as S.P.C., Pokayoke, Pareto Analysis, Cause-Effect Analysis.

• Specialized skills in the area of strategic planning, risk analysis/management, effective research methods, benchmarking, flow charting, brainstorming, QS-9000,ISO 14001, TS 16949 standards, interviewing, conflict resolution, and an understanding of contract law, terms and conditions, and economic factors are required.

• Exposure or participation in VA/VE and lean activities

• Knowledge of logistics, manufacturing processes, commodity markets and futures, and a strong understanding of component and product functionality are important assets.