Principal Direct Material Buyer

About the Role

This is the Experienced Level of our Senior Buyer position. The employee will perform a full range of professional buyer assignments in a full functioning capacity, focusing on Hot Forging based commodities for both production and service requirements, domestically and internationally. This individual will make independent, data-driven decisions on assigned projects that could significantly impact the entire business.

Responsibilities

• Lead Purchasing Projects that may impact multiple JNA Facilities.
• Develop "Should Be Cost" of components within assigned commodity, including a thorough understanding of cost drivers, commodity market intelligence (labor costs, material costs, etc.).
• Read and interpret engineering drawings at an advanced level.
• Create, issue, and evaluate Supplier Request for Quotation (RFQ) packages.
• Understand and communicate the main cost drivers of assigned commodities internally to ensure optimal designs at sourcing decisions.
• Research and analyze market trends, create benchmarks for assigned commodities, perform Make-vs-Buy analyses, and assess the impact of technology on products.
• Develop, present, and implement Commodity Strategies for Key Commodities based on market trends, technology trends, and forecasts.
• Identify cost reduction activities from product design through the production lifecycle.
• Lead supplier negotiations to achieve target pricing for component piece price, tooling costs, etc.
• Support other Buyers in developing negotiation strategies and participate in supplier negotiations.
• Collaborate with the Supplier Advancement Engineer in VA/VE and Kaizen workshops by defining cost reduction targets and negotiating cost-sharing rules.
• Manage overall supplier performance, including Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD).
• Assess and manage Supplier Risk, and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to suppliers quarterly.
• Map Supplier Processes, including Bekido and Chokko rates, and verify quoted rates during follow-ups.
• Work overtime, including weekends, as directed to complete essential job duties.
• Perform training and mentoring activities for other Buyers as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Engineering-related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of purchasing experience, ideally in the automotive industry.
• Ability to manage projects and resolve complex procurement-related issues.
• Strong understanding of technical issues to interface with internal teams and suppliers for corrective actions.
• Ability to work independently with considerable latitude, requiring technical guidance only for unusual or complex problems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; working knowledge of Oracle and Power BI is a plus.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills for interactions with senior management.
• Willingness to travel with little or no notice (up to 20% of the time).
• Basic knowledge of quality, health, safety, and environmental management systems.
• Professional certification is a plus but not required.

Work Environment

The role is primarily office-based with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer, requiring sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity. Occasional exposure to manufacturing areas may require personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and hearing protection.