Project Purchasing Professional

Schaeffler•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

The Project Purchasing Professional organizes complex purchasing projects, defines sourcing activities, and executes project-related purchasing work, including Make-or-Buy analysis. The role integrates external suppliers into the product development process, represents Purchasing in project teams, and supports on-time supplier delivery at start of production. It also handles component-specific cost validation, supply-chain coordination, and project change management. The position leads and supports E-mobility Business Unit Purchasing projects, particularly E-Drive launches, while also supporting Mechatronics and Modules. Responsibilities include managing project launches, pursuing technical cost-reduction initiatives, developing new suppliers, and supporting new project acquisitions in North America.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, and/or Engineering.
At least 4 years of purchasing experience.
Fluency in English.
Proficiency or expertise with Microsoft Suite programs, including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Experience with AI tools such as chatbots, Python, and assistant models.
Strong negotiation, project management, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Ability to interface with cross-functional teams and personnel and management at all levels, domestically and abroad.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong self-motivation and drive to achieve results.
Must be legally authorized to work in the USA.

Responsibilities

Organize complex purchasing projects involving extensive requirements specification or negotiation processes.
Define sourcing activities and execute project-related purchasing activities, including Make-or-Buy analysis, for the respective business unit or product line.
Integrate external suppliers into the product development process to ensure external delivery at start of production.
Represent the Purchasing department in product development projects.
Take responsibility for component-specific cost validation and alignment.
Cooperate with supply-chain interfaces and execute project change management.
Collaborate with project teams to align purchasing activities with project goals.
Lead relevant E-mobility Business Unit Purchasing projects to achieve the correct cost structure, on-time launches, and technical cost-reduction initiatives.
Manage the launch of pursuing and awarded E-mobility projects with Purchasing, focusing on E-Drives and supporting Mechatronics and Modules.
Participate in or lead technical cost-saving initiatives for assigned projects.
Search for and develop new suppliers to support Business Unit Purchasing projects.
Create, manage, and support new project acquisitions from Purchasing input in North America, handled by the North America Business Unit Purchasing E-mobility team.