Associate Manager, Purchasing
About The Position
The Associate Manager of Purchasing leads the procurement, tracking, and lifecycle management of automotive part samples critical to product development and quality assurance. This is a high-impact role requiring a blend of technical automotive knowledge and leadership to ensure proper oversight and execution of purchasing directives. The Associate Manager ensures the seamless flow of materials from global and local vendors, manages order lifecycles from request to delivery, and provides stakeholders with data-driven updates. Beyond simple transactions, this role is responsible for strategic vendor negotiation, budget accountability, and leading a high-performing procurement team.
Requirements
- Proven ability to build vendor rapport and negotiate favorable terms (e.g., bulk pricing, expedited shipping).
- Deep understanding of OEM/OES parts, makes, models, and dealer parts counter systems (e.g., EPCs).
- Ability to manage 20+ concurrent sample requests with a focus on a two-week turnaround.
- Intermediate to Advanced Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
- High-level verbal and written skills for cross-functional collaboration and external vendor management.
- A "no downtime" approach to checking in parts and initiating new requests immediately upon receipt.
- High School Diploma or GED
- 3+ years of experience in automotive parts (sales, sourcing, service writing, or counter experience)
- 3+ years of leadership or management experience with a focus on task delegation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook)
- Ability to professionally communicate verbally and written
Nice To Haves
- Degree or certificate in Automotive Technology
- ASE Certification (P2 Parts Specialist or similar)
- Background in accounting or heavy expense reporting
Responsibilities
- Identify and vet suppliers based on technical compliance, lead times, and pricing. Proactively seek bulk discounts and strategic partnerships to optimize the procurement budget.
- Oversee the full procurement cycle—from receiving requests from Product Management/QC to final delivery—ensuring all part specifications and quantities are strictly met.
- Supervise the maintenance of the centralized purchasing log. Ensure all ETAs are accurate and internal stakeholders receive real-time updates on order statuses.
- Supervise direct reports, delegating tasks effectively to ensure 100% coverage of sourcing requests and vendor follow-ups. Work directly with appropriate parties for all daily payroll needs for their team.
- Rapidly assess alternatives for back-ordered parts. Lead the team in pivoting to new suppliers or sourcing methods to prevent project delays.
- Partner with Accounts Payable to ensure all invoices, receipts, and expense reports are submitted accurately and on time. Audit monthly spending against deliverables.
- Compile and verify detailed packing lists, collaborating with Development and QC teams to ensure parts are routed correctly upon arrival.
- Build and maintain rapport with dealerships and local suppliers. Proactively follow up on delayed shipments and take corrective action to resolve logistics bottlenecks.
- Reevaluate purchasing habits regularly to identify better sourcing options and more efficient workflows.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
