Commodity Buyer

Hilite International•Whitehall, MI

About The Position

The Commodity Buyer purchases direct materials and/or services for Engine, Transmission, and Driveline assemblies, meeting specified cost, quality, and delivery targets. The role supports the purchasing function and other departments, communicates supply issues that may affect operations, and serves as an interface between suppliers and internal teams on purchasing processes, projects, and activities. The position monitors market trends, supplier and competitor activity, and risks and opportunities; analyzes costs and cost-reduction opportunities; negotiates supplier contracts and commercial terms; and prepares purchase orders, schedules, reports, and supplier-performance data. It also develops supplier relationships, evaluates supplier performance and contract compliance, resolves supplier issues, and works with procurement colleagues on continuous improvement. The role requires adherence to company purchasing policies and health, safety, and environmental procedures.

Requirements

Minimum bachelor’s degree in a related field.
At least 5 years of experience as a direct-material/components buyer in the automotive industry.
Knowledge of one or more of these commodities: stampings, plastic parts, turnings, PCBA, and/or powdered metals.
Strong work ethic, desire to succeed, and attention to detail and accuracy.
Self-awareness and optimism, with moral courage, openness, and honesty in dealings.
Understanding of automotive processes, purchasing, negotiation, commercial matters, and cost breakdowns.
High regard for professionalism and corporate compliance.
Commercial and financial awareness, including understanding how failures affect production, manufacturing, and customer fulfillment.
Ability to build and maintain effective, productive relationships with staff, stakeholders, and suppliers.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, collaborate cross-functionally, and manage time effectively.
Computer literacy and advanced Excel skills.
Knowledge of MFG Pro (QAD) or similar enterprise software such as SAP.

Nice To Haves

Electronics/PCBA commodity knowledge is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Purchase direct materials and/or services for Engine, Transmission, and Driveline assemblies in line with cost, quality, and delivery targets.
Support the purchasing function and relevant departments, communicating supply problems that may affect business operations.
Act as an interface between suppliers and relevant departments on purchasing processes, new projects, and activities.
Monitor issues that present risks or opportunities to the organization.
Monitor market trends, competitor strategies, and market suppliers.
Analyze new and existing costs and review cost-reduction activities.
Prepare reports and updates as required.
Work with the procurement function to identify continuous-improvement and business-improvement opportunities.
Follow health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures to support the safety and wellbeing of self, staff, and visitors.
Negotiate supplier contracts, prices, and terms of business, and identify business savings using negotiation and procurement best practices.
Prepare and raise purchase orders and order schedules.
Build, maintain, and manage supplier relationships and communications.
Maintain a professional and consistent approach to supplier relationships.
Ensure compliance with company guidelines, purchasing policies, and procedures during supplier negotiations and contract awards.
Research new components and suppliers.
Compile supplier-performance data for evaluation.
Assess and evaluate suppliers and contribute to performance reviews to ensure contract compliance.
Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery, or invoice issues.
Perform other duties as assigned.