Supply Chain Buyer

Job Objective

The Non-Production Material (NPM) Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers for indirect materials and services required to support manufacturing operations. This role ensures cost competitiveness, uninterrupted supply, contract compliance, and alignment with company purchasing strategies while supporting plant operations, corporate functions, and business objectives.

Description of Main Tasks

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Manage sourcing activities for non-production material categories, including:
• MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) supplies
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Facility management services
• Packaging and consumables
• Office supplies and equipment
• Temporary labor services
• Logistics and transportation services
• Capital equipment support services
• Utilities and energy-related services
• IT hardware, software, and related services
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes and supplier selection.
• Analyze supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, payment terms, contracts, and commercial agreements.
• Develop and implement cost reduction initiatives and productivity projects.

Supplier Management

• Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, service, and cost.
• Lead supplier business reviews and performance improvement activities.
• Resolve supply disruptions and commercial disputes.
• Ensure supplier compliance with company policies and contractual requirements.

Cost Management

• Develop annual cost savings targets and execution plans.
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation and spend optimization.
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to support negotiations.
• Track and report purchasing savings and cost avoidance initiatives.

Contract Management

• Negotiate and manage Long-Term Agreements (LTAs), Master Service Agreements (MSAs), and purchase contracts.
• Ensure compliance with company legal, finance, and procurement policies.
• Maintain relevant contract documentation and purchasing records.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Engineering, Facilities, EHS, Finance, HR, IT, and Logistics teams.
• Support plant requirements and urgent operational needs.
• Participate in new project launches and facility expansion activities.
• Provide procurement support for capital expenditure and operational initiatives.

SAP / ERP System Management

• Maintain purchasing information records, contracts, and source lists in SAP.
• Create and manage purchase orders and purchasing documents.
• Monitor pricing accuracy and contract compliance within ERP systems.
• Support invoice discrepancy resolution and supplier payment issues.

Risk & Compliance Management

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Ensure compliance with internal purchasing policies and audit requirements.
• Support supplier sustainability, diversity, and ESG initiatives where applicable.
• Ensure adherence to ethical sourcing practices.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
• MBA or professional purchasing certification (CPSM, CPM, APICS, ISM) preferred.

Experience

• 3-7 years of purchasing or sourcing experience.
• Automotive industry experience strongly preferred.
• Experience managing indirect procurement or NPM categories.
• Experience with supplier negotiations and contract management.

Technical Skills

• SAP or ERP purchasing experience required.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Experience with sourcing tools and procurement systems.
• Understanding of purchasing processes, contracts, and commercial terms.