Purchasing Category Specialist, Electrical

Blue Bird Corporation•Fort Valley, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Purchasing for EV & Electrical Systems, the Purchasing Category Specialist supports the procurement of components and materials critical to electric vehicle (EV) and electrical system production. This role assists with supplier communications, basic sourcing activities, data and pricing management, and operational purchasing tasks specific to electrical commodities such as wiring assemblies, sensors, connectors, harnesses, power distribution components, and other EV‑related electrical systems. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, eager to learn, technically curious, and interested in the rapidly evolving EV market. This position plays a key supporting role in securing reliable supply, maintaining cost competitiveness, and contributing to an efficient EV supply chain.

Requirements

Foundational understanding of supply chain, purchasing, or procurement principles.
Interest in or emerging knowledge of EV technologies, electrical systems, or automotive electrical components.
Strong analytical and organizational skills; able to manage detailed data and multiple tasks.
Effective communication skills for supplier and internal stakeholder interaction.
Understanding of engineering principles
Proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Ability to learn technical product details and EV commodity requirements.
Ability to work in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.
Ability to travel 10% - 15%, as needed.
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
Internship, co‑op, or academic project experience in purchasing, supply chain, project engineering in an automotive environment.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

EV experience, preferred
Familiarity with purchasing systems, ERP/EDI tools, or data analysis software.

Responsibilities

Support the purchasing team in managing EV/electrical suppliers across assigned categories (e.g., harnesses, connectors, sensors, inverters, electrical modules).
Assist in conducting market research for EV‑focused electrical components, emerging technologies, and potential new suppliers.
Help collect data and prepare analyses to support sourcing strategies related to cost, quality, delivery, and technology alignment.
Prepare RFQs, track quotations, and support basic cost analysis activities.
Participate in routine supplier negotiations under supervision, including price updates, delivery terms, and order confirmation.
Maintain supplier information, cost breakdowns, technical specifications, and pricing data within internal ERP/EDI systems.
Monitor delivery schedules and follow up on shipments to maintain continuity of supply for EV electrical components.
Assist with EV program and project launches by coordinating purchasing tasks such as sample procurement, PPAP documentation collection, and supplier readiness checklists.
Track supplier performance and support supplier scorecard updates (quality, delivery, responsiveness).
Collaborate with engineering, quality, and program teams to understand EV component requirements and ensure supplier alignment.
Prepare financial comparisons and basic business case inputs to support purchasing decisions.
Stay informed of EV industry trends, material cost shifts (e.g., copper pricing), and potential supply risks.
Perform other related duties as assigned.