Buyer Directed Buy and Chemicals – North America

AAM•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Directed Buy and Chemicals Buyer leads strategic sourcing activities supporting Dauch North American manufacturing facilities. The role manages the sourcing process, including requests for quotation, bid evaluation, cost breakdown analysis, negotiations, supplier evaluation, sourcing recommendations, and contracting. It aims to achieve cost-effective sourcing while maintaining quality and delivery standards for a Tier 1 automotive supplier. The buyer works with engineering, manufacturing, sales, program management, finance, and suppliers to optimize the supply chain and support new product launches. The position also manages contract and purchase order lifecycles, addresses routine supplier and PO issues, and executes sourcing within established strategies and approved supply bases. It analyzes supplier costs and market trends, contributes to procurement budgets and monthly forecasts, negotiates long-term supplier agreements, and supports value analysis/value engineering and cost-saving initiatives. Additional responsibilities include technical sourcing reviews, supply-chain risk mitigation, inventory and logistics coordination, supplier quality and compliance, and cross-functional alignment of procurement strategies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
2–5 years of experience in purchasing, sourcing, or procurement within the automotive industry 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 organization 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

Lead strategic sourcing for North American manufacturing facilities, including requests for quotation, bid evaluation, cost breakdown analysis, supplier evaluation, sourcing recommendations, and contracting.
Manage contract and purchase order lifecycle activities, 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, pricing and invoice issues, and PO updates.
Source new business within the developed strategy and approved supply base, consolidating strategic suppliers while reducing costs and maintaining quality and performance standards.
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 value analysis/value engineering initiatives and cost savings to meet or exceed budget and business-plan targets.
Lead technical sourcing reviews with supply base, systems engineering, component engineering, and supplier quality engineering contacts.
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 company and industry standards.
Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, finance, and other internal teams to align procurement strategies with company objectives.
Travel as required for supplier visits and audits.