Buyer 1, Electric Vehicles

About the role

In this role, you'll work closely with experienced subject matter experts, engineers, and cross-functional partners to support sourcing across key materials for electric vehicle batteries. You'll analyze data and recommend courses of action, supporting managers and buyers in strategic decision-making. You'll track and report on sourcing progress, cost reductions, process improvements, and other key goals. Additionally, you'll collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to ensure required data and documentation are in place, validate system data for accurate reporting, and prepare timely, accurate presentations.

Responsibilities

• Negotiates and establishes commodity prices in support of the department's cost reduction goals.
• Develops strategic sourcing plans and manages sourcing activities for EV batteries.
• Performs comparative analysis of competing suppliers in order to recommend the most competitive source for EV batteries.
• Engages with end users to establish an understanding of commodity requirements and specifications.
• Plans, develops, implements, and maintains cost reduction plans, as well as tracking and validating cost savings data.
• Establishes, executes, and manages contracts for assigned commodities; issues and maintains purchase orders, and related purchasing records.
• Coordinates activities between all departments and supplier base to ensure contract compliance and resolution of all major issues dealing with quality, cost, delivery, and design.
• Updates databases and other records on a weekly basis in order to accurately report statuses for assignment activities.
• Analyzes progress toward departmental goals and initiates mitigation action(s) as needed.

Requirements

• 0–2 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree OR 8 years of equivalent experience in lieu of a degree required.
• If Associate's degree, must have 4 additional years of equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated leadership potential, initiative, and ownership of work.
• Must have a curiosity and willingness to learn more about EV supply chain.
• Should be a self-starter with strong intuitive skills to take ownership of issues with ability to find resolution to complicated issues.
• Ability to take feedback and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to work on-site in Farmington Hills, MI.

Qualifications

• Background in critical minerals, battery technology, and the EV supply chain is a plus.
• Prior leadership roles (student orgs, internships, co-ops) preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented and accurate, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and taking initiative.
• Adaptable and receptive to feedback, with a continuous learning mindset and focus on growth.
• Ability to travel up to 25% to local suppliers.