Sr Buyer

AM General LLC•Auburn Hills, MI

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of the Defense Supply Chain Management (SCM) team, this role interfaces with the rest of the production team to perform major procurement activities, in the acquisition of a broad range of products and services, including both direct material and indirect products and services. Understand, analyze, and communicate cost and supplier data to implement commodity strategies established by management and to optimize sourcing direction. Qualifies vendors, evaluates bids, and negotiates prices and terms for purchased goods and services. Tracks purchases, monitors vendor quality, and maintains a current database of vendor information.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field preferred; or 5+ years of relevant supply chain management experience.
CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or legacy CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager) certification preferred in lieu of a degree.
Minimum of 4 years of procurement experience with a bachelor's degree.
SAP S/4HANA experience preferred.
Experience negotiating within the automotive or defense industries.
Demonstrated self-motivation, initiative, and the ability to work independently.
Experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
Strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to create and present detailed sourcing analyses using PowerPoint.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build effective internal and external relationships.
Ability to read engineering prints and understand basic component manufacturing processes.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong customer service orientation with a focus on supporting internal stakeholders.
Adaptable and flexible with the ability to recommend and implement process improvements.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Responsibilities

Responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and administering contracts/purchase orders for Defense requirements
Supports bid/proposal submission process
Employs cost reduction strategies to meet SCM deliverables
Maintains commodity supply base at an optimal level
Participates in strategic planning for commodity strategies and processes
Provides mentoring and training for buyers and assistance to manager, as required
Interfaces cross-functionally with Pricing, Material Integration, Materials, Quality, Engineering, Design, and Finance/Accounting to support the organization's goals and deliverables
Work with Material Integration and Materials activity to ensure clear identification of order requirements
Understand supplier capability to ensure optimal sourcing decisions to meet best quality, cost, and delivery requirements
Compare competitive quotes for best value and negotiate cost with suppliers
Work collaboratively with Aftermarket group to understand buying strategies and maximize opportunities for cost reduction/control and execute commodity strategies as established by the team
Work with SCM supplier development and Aftermarket/Advanced/Commercial groups to identify/develop potential suppliers
Complete file documentation to ensure determination of fair and reasonable pricing
Source complex components/assemblies through issuance of contracts and purchase orders to supply base in support of order requirements
Support bid/proposal process by obtaining competitive quotes, whenever possible, from supply base
Enter and maintain all information in SAP
Identify cost avoidance/reduction opportunities and participating in continuous improvement of processes and tools
Maintain production supply base at an optimal level
Drive creation of commodity strategies for production sourcing direction, with involvement of Aftermarket group for shared commodities
Mentor/provide training to buyers and provide assistance to manager, as required
Participate in a Rapid Improvement Event (RIE) for process improvement
Interface with other cross-functional activities/departments
Execute administrative duties, as required