Indirect Procurement Specialist - Tooling & Equipment

Southfield, Michigan (Hybrid) – 9-912 Month Contract position

About the role

The Indirect Procurement Specialist - Tooling & Equipment is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers that provide tooling, capital equipment, production support equipment, maintenance supplies, and related services. This role partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, Finance, and Operations to ensure timely procurement of cost-effective, high-quality tooling and equipment that supports production, launch, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
  • Manage sourcing activities for tooling, capital equipment, fixtures, automation, material handling equipment, and production support services
  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies that achieve cost savings, quality improvements, and supply continuity
  • Solicit RFQs, evaluate supplier proposals, and conduct commercial negotiations
  • Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, warranty provisions, and delivery schedules
  • Identify, qualify, and develop new suppliers to support business requirements
• Tooling & Equipment Management
  • Support procurement activities related to new program launches, capacity expansions, and plant improvement projects
  • Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to review tooling equipment specifications
  • Ensure purchased equipment meets technical, safety, quality, and operational requirements
  • Track tooling and capital project expenditures against approved budgets
• Supplier Relationship Management
  • Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and service levels
  • Lead supplier business reviews and corrective actions when performance issues arise
  • Develop strategic partnerships with critical tooling and equipment suppliers
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Program Management to support project timing and business objectives
  • Participate in sourcing reviews, launch meetings, and capital approval discussions
  • Drive alignment between procurement strategies and operational needs
• Cost Management & Continuous Improvement
  • Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through competitive sourcing, supplier consolidation, standardization, and process improvements
  • Analyze spending patterns and procurement metrics to support informed decision-making
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing total cost of ownership
• Compliance & Reporting
  • Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures
  • Maintain accurate purchasing records, contracts, and supplier documentation
  • Utilize procurement systems and reporting tools to monitor spend, savings, and supplier performance

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
• 3-7 years of procurement, purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain experience
• Experience sourcing tooling, capital equipment, automation systems, manufacturing equipment, or MRO suppliers preferred
• Automotive and/or manufacturing industry experience strongly preferred

Skills

• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Understanding of tooling, manufacturing processes, automation, and capital equipment
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and equipment requirements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment

Typical Categories Managed

• Production Tooling
• Injection molding tools and components
• Secondary tooling and fixtures
• Automation and robotics equipment
• Material handling equipment
• Testing and validation equipment
• Plant equipment and machinery
• MRO supplies and services
• Industrial maintenance services
• Capital projects and facility equipment

Pay

Pay Rate: approximately $40.00-$50.00 per hour (based on proven work history)