Buyer Directed Buy and Chemicals – North America

AAM - American Axle & Manufacturing•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Directed Buy and Chemicals buyer leads strategic sourcing to support Dauch North American manufacturing facilities. The role manages requests for quotation, bid evaluation, cost breakdown analysis, negotiations, supplier evaluation, sourcing recommendations, and contracting. It ensures cost-effective sourcing while maintaining quality and delivery standards consistent with Tier 1 automotive supplier requirements. The buyer works closely with engineering, manufacturing, sales, program management, finance, and suppliers to optimize the supply chain and support new product launches. Responsibilities include managing contract and purchase-order lifecycles; sourcing new business within established strategies and approved supply bases; analyzing costs and markets; contributing to procurement budgets and forecasts; negotiating supplier agreements; managing supplier relationships and performance; supporting value analysis/value engineering and cost-saving initiatives; leading technical sourcing reviews; addressing supply-chain risks; coordinating logistics and inventory; ensuring supplier quality and compliance; and aligning procurement strategies with internal teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or another related field.
2–5 years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or procurement within the automotive or a related manufacturing industry.
Thorough knowledge of industry purchasing policies, procedures, and commercial practices.
Understanding of global sourcing, landed cost, and supply-chain risk management.
Strong negotiation skills and a history of cost savings and supplier performance improvement.
Proficiency in ERP systems and data analytics tools.
Strong planning and organizational skills.
Ability to travel as required for supplier visits and audits.

Nice To Haves

Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent.
Familiarity with cost drivers, cost breakdown analysis, and cost models.
Experience collaborating with international suppliers, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including strong Excel skills such as Pivot Tables and V-Lookups.
Experience with Oracle or Plex ERP systems.

Responsibilities

Manage contract and purchase-order lifecycles, including reporting on expiring or aged POs, PO administration, cleanup, and line closure.
Coordinate with suppliers and business partners to resolve past-due POs, match exceptions, freight discrepancies, cost recoveries, price or invoice issues, and PO updates.
Source new business within established strategies and the approved supply base, consolidating strategic suppliers while reducing costs and maintaining quality and performance.
Analyze supplier cost structures and market trends to identify cost-reduction opportunities.
Contribute to annual procurement budget development and submit monthly forecasts to the finance team.
Negotiate costs and prices and establish long-term supplier agreements that meet cost, quality, and delivery requirements.
Develop and manage supplier relationships to support quality, cost competitiveness, and on-time delivery.
Support and drive VA/VE initiatives to improve category competitiveness and meet or exceed budget and business-plan targets.
Lead technical sourcing reviews with supply base, systems engineering, component engineering, and supplier quality engineering contacts to resolve issues and support sourcing recommendations.
Identify and mitigate supply-chain risks, including material shortages, price fluctuations, and geopolitical factors.
Coordinate with suppliers and logistics teams to maintain efficient inventory levels and prevent supply disruptions.
Work with Quality and Engineering teams to ensure supplier compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and other Dauch and industry standards.
Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and finance teams to align procurement strategies with company objectives.