Commodity Buyer

Tokai Rika Group•Plymouth, MI

18d

About The Position

The Tokai Rika Group is seeking a Commodity Buyer with strong analytical skills and the ability to handle commercial issues, planning, negotiation, and communication. The role leads and coordinates sourcing, evaluates suppliers and quotations, develops commodity strategies, negotiates commercial and technical terms, and works with suppliers and internal teams to achieve cost targets and maintain supply stability. The position also establishes commodity standards, supports supplier improvement and localization efforts, and maintains contracts and purchase orders in compliance with internal controls. TRAM, Inc. is a Japanese-owned automotive parts supplier serving Japanese transplant manufacturers and domestic OEMs. Located in Plymouth, Michigan, it is a subsidiary of Tokai-Rika Co. LTD. Founded in 1986, TRAM employs more than 2,500 people at five locations and manufactures automotive switch, security, and safety-related components.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related Business field.
At least 3 years of experience in auto components purchasing or a related field.
Proven negotiation skills to achieve cost reduction targets.
Ability to read technical drawings and understand basic engineering documents.
Strong verbal and written communication and leadership skills.
Strong organizational skills, good mathematics aptitude, and problem-solving skills.
Willingness to travel 25–35%.
Experience with ERP software; BPCS is preferred.
High proficiency with MS Office, including Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Experience with BPCS ERP software.

Responsibilities

Lead, negotiate, and coordinate all sourcing functions.
Analyze supply base capability and quotations to determine the most appropriate source.
Manage key supplier relationships and supplier partnerships.
Develop and execute commodity strategies to support department and company goals.
Establish commodity standards, including parts lists, cost standards, and business process work.
Negotiate costs, terms, quality, technology, and delivery of materials and/or services.
Work with the supply base and internal departments to achieve cost targets.
Work with suppliers on Kaizen, setting targets, and implementing APR, VA/VE, and cost reduction strategies.
Perform supplier assessments for localization efforts.
Monitor commodity concerns and ensure supply stability.
Maintain contracts and purchase orders and comply with internal controls.