Commodity Buyer

Hilite International•Whitehall, MI

About The Position

The Commodity Buyer purchases direct materials and 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 business operations, and serves as an interface between suppliers and internal teams on purchasing processes, new projects, and activities. The position monitors market trends, supplier and competitor strategies, and organizational risks and opportunities. It analyzes costs and cost-reduction activities, prepares reports, and works with the procurement function on continuous and business improvements. The buyer negotiates supplier contracts, pricing, and terms; prepares purchase orders and schedules; researches components and suppliers; and develops and manages supplier relationships. The role also evaluates supplier performance and contract compliance, resolves supplier issues involving price, quality, delivery, or invoices, and follows company purchasing guidelines and procedures. It requires adherence to health, safety, and environmental policies and a professional, consistent approach to supplier relationships.

Requirements

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 the following commodities: stampings, plastic parts, turnings, PCBA, and/or powdered metals.
Understanding of automotive processes and knowledge of purchasing, negotiation, commercial matters, and cost breakdowns.
Strong work ethic, desire to succeed, and attention to detail and accuracy.
Self-awareness and optimism, with moral courage, openness, and honesty in dealings.
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, work cross-functionally, and manage time effectively.
Computer literacy and advanced Excel skills.

Nice To Haves

Electronics/PCBA commodity knowledge is highly desired.
Knowledge of MFG Pro (QAD) or similar enterprise software such as SAP.

Responsibilities

Purchase direct materials and/or services for Engine, Transmission, and Driveline assemblies in line with cost, quality, and delivery targets.
Support purchasing and relevant departments, communicating supply problems that may affect business operations.
Act as an interface between suppliers and internal departments on purchasing processes, new projects, and activities.
Monitor issues that may 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 help ensure the safety and wellbeing of self, staff, and visitors.
Negotiate contracts, prices, and business terms with suppliers, and identify 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.