Purchasing Buyer - Electronics Components

About the Role

This position provides support to the Commodity Purchasing department, focusing on electronics components.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, confidentiality agreements, master purchase agreements, changes in process, terms, engineering requirements, and other items with suppliers.
• Perform detailed quotation analysis and negotiation for all cost drivers.
• Support the launch of new programs, including negotiating and price establishment of prototype/trial materials.
• Evaluate new supplier performance and information.
• Approve requisitions and monitor invoicing for variances and supplier performance.
• Support preparation of annual budget plans (purchases, manpower, expenses, etc.) for each location and assigned components, collaborating with manufacturing plant site purchasing members.
• Support development and standardization of processes in conjunction with AWA systems and manufacturing plant needs for assigned components (strategy, negotiation tactics, policies, etc.).
• Lead activities for Commodity purchasing, including:
  • Developing forms, processes, and systems for central purchasing.
  • Supporting other AISIN purchasing groups for similar products and processes.
  • Executing communized purchasing activities with suppliers.
  • Developing total supply chain cost analysis.
• Support cost reduction activities, including cooperation with AISIN affiliated companies and sub-tier negotiations.
• Coordinate and analyze total volume usage, forecasts, and material buys for Commodity suppliers.
• Manage processes for quotations, Letters of Intent, Feasibility Studies, Engineering Changes, capacity investigations, etc.
• Analyze inputs and conditions from cross-functional departments to identify cost savings opportunities.
• Coordinate and communicate with cross-functional teams at AWA, manufacturing plants, and Aisin Group companies (domestic and overseas).
• Conduct supplier business audits with SPTT members.
• Assess prospective suppliers for new model programs and localization activities.
• Support development of commodity purchase strategies and identify suppliers for new business.
• Prepare reports and presentations, gain consensus from multiple plants, and recommend sourcing decisions.
• Act as Supplier champion to AISIN and voice of AISIN to suppliers.
• Develop and maintain records of supplier assessments for commodity suppliers.
• Work with design teams to identify new, local, or advanced materials and processes for mass or cost savings.
• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Effective written and verbal communication skills for internal and external contacts.
• Ability to create effective memos and letters.
• Capability to analyze quotations, develop budgets, and understand cost impact.
• Ability to comprehend technical and business correspondence.
• Strong computer skills, including Excel, graphs, spreadsheets, and charts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Applied Science, Purchasing Supply Chain Management, or Business (with proven technical skills).

Skills

• Experience in the automotive industry with understanding of standard job functions.
• Prior purchasing experience in automotive or industrial environments.
• Experience in a multi-cultural environment, preferably Japanese-based.
• Experience in logistics, customs, and duties/tariffs.
• Fluency in English; additional language skills in Japanese, Chinese, German, and/or Spanish are beneficial.