Purchasing Buyer - Raw Material

Job Title: Purchasing Buyer

• Raw Material

Company: Aisin World Corp. of America

Department: Purchasing

• Raw & Indirect Material

Location: Northville, MI or Seymour, IN

Position Responsibilities

The incumbent is expected to perform the following functions that the company has determined are essential to this position:

Material & Indirect material purchase/cost analysis/ cost reduction:

• Become a commodity expert, develop deep understanding of material types, applications, suppliers and competition in the field, contribute to development of Aisin NA Raw Material strategy.

• Coordinate and analyze total volume usage, spend, and forecasts for material suppliers

• Detail quotation analysis for all cost drivers; total supply chain analysis.

• Cooperate closely with cross-functional team to execute purchasing activities with suppliers, investigate potential suppliers when necessary.

• Assess prospective suppliers for new model programs and localization activities.

• Lead cost reduction activities for Aisin affiliated companies, and support and cooperate with Aisin's group companies.

• Support commodity purchasing team with (raw) material cost inputs, and cost reduction activities.

• Analysis of various inputs and conditions from cross-functional departments to find cost savings opportunities.

• Responsible for document control for material RFQ's, LOI's, ECI's, quotations, and sourcing documentation.

• Negotiate prices, delivery schedules, payment terms, confidentiality agreements, master purchase agreements, changes in process, terms, engineering requirements, and other items as required with suppliers.

• Prepare reports and presentations as necessary.

Program Development:

• Identify suppliers for new business and review their capabilities per engineering requirements.

• Support Aisin affiliated companies to identify potential suppliers cost competitiveness.

• Facilitate, support, and coordinate activity, visits, and communication between various Aisin groups; i.e. act as window to supplier for Aisin and window to Aisin for supplier.

• Develop and maintain record of supplier assessments.

• Work with design team to identify new, local, or advanced materials for mass or cost savings.

• Manage key supplier relationships effectively.

• Support development of intelligence activities regarding the competitor and supplier information including, but not limited to, new products, product and process improvement, VA / VE, profit improvement, cost reduction and so on.

• Report major, weekly and monthly activities to the Management.

• Operate with "cross-functional" approach and accordingly accept / assume new responsibilities as dictated by business environment.

• Function as a key person to compile / summarize / analyze and communicate necessary data and develop summary and status documents / materials.

• Support development of cost estimations for engineering analysis, business opportunities and other needs as directed.

• Support the launch of new programs, including tracking prototype / trial materials.

• Assist to develop effective plans and strategies for material cost control.

• Establish & control documented activity plans as necessary.

• Develop and execute short-term and long-term plans with other purchasing groups, engineering, and other teams.

• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

Essential Skills and Experience:

• 2 - 5 + years of demonstrated experience and accomplishments in each of the areas described above.

• Experience in manufacturing and technical environment.

• Experience in raw/indirect material purchasing for manufacturing processes.

• Understand manufacturing processes and costs associated with those processes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrate analytical & negotiation ability.

• Excellent organization and time management skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.

• Ability to demonstrate patience and verify facts.

• Demonstrated ability to persevere and complete difficult tasks.

Beneficial Skills and Experience

• Experience in automotive industry with understanding of standard job functions and requirements within the industry.

• Experience in multi-cultural environment, preferably Japanese-based.

• Fluency in English with additional language skill in Japanese, Chinese, German, and/or Spanish.

Education/Training/Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, other Applied Science, or Purchasing supply chain management is preferred. Bachelor's degree in Business or other non-technical area is acceptable based on proven technical skill.