Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Buyer to support procurement activities for direct/raw materials within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted supply, cost competitiveness, and supplier performance, while operating within a shared services structure supporting multiple plants or business units. The ideal candidate is a bilingual (Spanish/English) procurement professional with strong analytical, negotiation, and supplier management skills, and a solid understanding of automotive supply chain dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement of direct/raw materials (e.g., metals, resins, components) to support production requirements.
• Execute sourcing strategies aligned with corporate and plant-level objectives (cost, quality, delivery).
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings and favorable conditions.
• Monitor and ensure on-time delivery, mitigating supply risks and resolving shortages proactively.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Planning, Engineering, Quality) to support new launches and ongoing production.
• Support supplier development and performance management, including KPIs, scorecards, and corrective actions.
• Work within a shared services environment, supporting multiple sites and standardizing procurement processes.
• Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and supplier capacity to support strategic decision-making.
• Maintain accurate data in ERP systems (SAP or similar), including purchase orders, pricing, and supplier information.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and automotive industry requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing direct/raw materials within the automotive manufacturing industry.
• Experience working in a shared services or centralized procurement environment (supporting multiple plants/business units).
• Strong negotiation and supplier management experience.
• Solid understanding of automotive supply chain, MRP systems, and production planning interfaces.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Excel.
• Fully bilingual (Spanish/English) – required.

Key Competencies

• Strategic sourcing & negotiation
• Supplier relationship management
• Analytical thinking & cost breakdown analysis
• Problem-solving and sense of urgency
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strong communication skills (both languages)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with global suppliers and import/export processes
• Knowledge of commodity markets (steel, aluminum, plastics, etc.)
• Experience supporting multi-site operations.