Purchasing Planning Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a given set of commodities towards achieving KPIs including but not limited to annual supplier cost improvements/manufacturing improvements, localization, VA/VE, quality improvements, and supply base development.
• Develop, implement and manage commodity strategies.
• Analyze costs to understand and evaluate supplier competitiveness.
• Develop detailed knowledge of main cost drivers to be able to properly compare new quotes/current prices and negotiate best component prices.
• Generate commodity cost estimates to build sourcing, negotiation, and supplier development strategies.
• Issue Purchase Orders for production components and tooling.
• Maintain proper procurement records such as non-disclosure agreements, RFQs, quotations, Supplier Agreement, Contracts, and recommendation sheets.
• Lead all forms of negotiation with the supply base for the commodities assigned.
• Work closely with suppliers to develop a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship.
• Work both internally and externally to identify cost reduction opportunities and manage the associated activity through to completion.
• Monitor supply base performance and provide feedback in a formal business review setting on an annual basis.
• Serve as an escalation point for other Hino departments on issues concerning the supply base.
• Develop plans and support new program launches and projects.
• Develop supply base in North America for localization parts.
• Lead supplier benchmarking activity.
• May lead project team.
• Drive continuous improvement in the supply base in support of Hino Motor’s business goals.
• Work closely with related key stakeholders, and manufacturing plants to ensure operational needs are achieved.
• Serve as a resource for Product Planning and Engineering projects.
• Promote teamwork and cooperation with interacting departments including Hino Japan.
• Provide support to manufacturing plants for both strategic issues and supplier performance issues.
• Regularly report progress to management.
• Support cost data management: update pricing data and resolve discrepancies working with buyers.

Education And Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Finance.
• Minimum 2 years of purchasing experience.
• Automotive purchasing experience is required.

Required Skills

• Strong MS Excel and MS PowerPoint skill sets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and data management skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Procurement and/or Supply Chain experience preferred.
• Understanding of automotive manufacturing process and costs preferred.
• Track record of working cross-functionally with others in a team-based environment.
• Experience working with automotive suppliers of serial production parts preferred.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.