Associate Manager, Procurement

Key Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end cost management across assigned categories within a global supplier network.
• Protect and improve category level cost position by actively managing cost management pipeline.
• Identify and validate cost reduction opportunities aligned with annual cost-out targets.
• Monitor cost performance against budget and escalate risks, variances, or supply impacts as needed.
• Prepare data-driven negotiation packages, cost baselines, and scenario analyses.
• Conduct structured, fact-based supplier negotiations to achieve optimal cost outcomes.
• Collaborate with Category and Sourcing teams to align negotiation strategies with broader procurement objectives.
• Analyze total cost of ownership (TCO), including logistics, duties, packaging, and overhead.
• Support RFQ and tender processes by establishing cost benchmarks.
• Develop and maintain detailed cost models to analyze and forecast product cost changes.
• Conduct should-cost analysis and support product teardown reviews in partnership with Engineering.
• Partner with Engineering to understand cost drivers and manufacturing inputs.
• Support Category Managers with cost insights that inform sourcing strategy.
• Provide reporting and dashboards for cost management initiatives.
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives focused on inflation management and continuous cost improvement.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 3–6 years of experience in procurement, cost management, sourcing or manufacturing cost analysis.
• Experience supporting supplier negotiations and cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong financial acumen and advanced Excel modeling.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, product cost drivers, and supply chain dynamics.
• Strong analytical and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive or manufacturing industry experience.
• Exposure to global commodity markets and cost indices.
• Experience with BI tools, ERP systems, or cost modeling platforms.
• MBA or advanced certification (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma) a plus.