Buyer - Intermediate

Cooper Standard•Northville, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Position Summary: The Intermediate Buyer is responsible for developing and managing the indirect supply base for professional services and IT projects including negotiating pricing, terms, and agreements for materials essential to the production of Cooper Standard products and business operations. This role focuses on optimizing costs, implementing effective supply chain strategies, and ensuring compliance with company pricing and terms & conditions agreements to drive operational efficiency and support business objectives. Primary Responsibilities: Management of the professional services commodity for the countries of the United States and Canada. In addition, supporting projects for the information technology commodity. At times there will be support for other commodities on an as needed basis for the department. Execute and sustain commodity strategies while collaborating cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Sales, and Engineering teams to align purchasing decisions with business needs. Analyze key market dynamics and commodity trends, including raw materials, to ensure cost competitiveness and informed decision-making. Identify and lead lean savings initiatives through active participation in cross-functional teams and supply chain projects. Manage the supply base to ensure alignment with business requirements, cost parameters, and compliance with terms and agreements. Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers to foster collaboration and innovation. Assist in conducting annual supplier business reviews to strengthen strategic partnerships and enhance Cooper Standard's performance metrics. Proactively support the resolution of critical supply chain issues while maintaining positive supplier relationships. Maintain and organize commercial documents and records as required for compliance and operational efficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field; or 3+ years of relevant experience in purchasing or supply chain.
Proven experience leading negotiations with a track record of achieving favorable outcomes.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to seek guidance when necessary.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
Strong ability to adapt to new technologies
Strong ability in reviewing contractual agreements for key terms and conditions including prices, payment terms, length of contracts, and exit clauses.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in diverse or cross-functional teams is highly desirable.
Knowledge of manufacturing processes or technical expertise is preferred.
Ability to analyze data strategically and create competitive intelligence for the respective commodities.
Strong excel skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Management of the professional services commodity for the countries of the United States and Canada.
Supporting projects for the information technology commodity.
Supporting other commodities on an as needed basis for the department.
Execute and sustain commodity strategies while collaborating cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Sales, and Engineering teams to align purchasing decisions with business needs.
Analyze key market dynamics and commodity trends, including raw materials, to ensure cost competitiveness and informed decision-making.
Identify and lead lean savings initiatives through active participation in cross-functional teams and supply chain projects.
Manage the supply base to ensure alignment with business requirements, cost parameters, and compliance with terms and agreements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers to foster collaboration and innovation.
Assist in conducting annual supplier business reviews to strengthen strategic partnerships and enhance Cooper Standard's performance metrics.
Proactively support the resolution of critical supply chain issues while maintaining positive supplier relationships.
Maintain and organize commercial documents and records as required for compliance and operational efficiency.