Commodity Buyer - Passives

ZF Group•Farmington Hills, MI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Commodity Buyer role is responsible for managing supplier relationships, pricing, and sourcing strategies to achieve cost targets, drive savings, and ensure quality and delivery performance. The position supports global sourcing and negotiations, market analysis, and continuous improvement while maintaining accurate data and compliance within ERP systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field
Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in purchasing, such as commodity purchasing, technical purchasing, or purchasing project coordination
Experience with supplier analysis and evaluation, including quality, capacity, and cost considerations
Exposure to supplier RFQs, bidding processes, and negotiation activities
Knowledge of APQP and/or purchasing project management tools and methods
Solid understanding of purchasing tools, negotiation techniques, and professional business communication
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)
Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and sound numerical capabilities
Well organized working style with effective time and task management skills
Experience working with SAP or similar ERP systems
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required

Responsibilities

Management of purchasing prices for assigned commodities and supplier groups, ensuring achievement of target costs in line with established sourcing processes
Support of cost saving initiatives through source reviews, bundling opportunities, and market benchmarking activities
Preparation and support of Commodity Management during contract and sourcing negotiations; lead role for assigned suppliers
Investigation and identification of optimal suppliers for materials in a timely manner, utilizing industry standard sourcing techniques, procedures, and planning methods while ensuring full compliance with ZF company policies
Lead global competitive sourcing and benchmarking activities
Market research and monitoring of trends to support cost controlling and total cost management initiatives
Management of the supply base with a focus on quality and delivery performance, utilizing defined escalation models
Maintenance of accurate pricing, contracts, and negotiation data within ERP systems (e.g., SAP)
Participation in continuous improvement initiatives and support of departmental objectives
Adherence to and promotion of ZF’s commitment to quality, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and zero defects across all aspects of the role