Sr. Buyer, Iron Castings

About the Role

Directs the activities associated with the SCMG managed global spend for a designated commodity category. Responsible for identification and evaluation of North American opportunities within the commodity category for reduction of spend, consolidation of process, function, and continuity of supply. Manages Dana contracts within the commodity category and reports the metrics associated with them. Delivers continuous improvement in cost processes and services within the commodity category. Handles requests for information (RFI) or quotes (RFQ) and generates recommendations based on Total Cost of Ownership comparisons. Monitors and reports on activities associated with named commodity categories.

Responsibilities

• Formulate annual business plans for achievement of cost reductions and year-over-year performance improvement.
• Obtain and analyze quotes to determine best value, then recommend global sourcing solutions based on data and facts collected.
• Develop and explain commodity strategies, following and tracking them for basic commodities.
• Understand all aspects of commodity strategy templates and utilize capability matrices to develop strategy.
• Provide proper documentation for review at sourcing councils, including total landed cost analysis considering duty, freight, packaging, surcharge, payment terms, and other financial factors.
• Maintain control of multiple projects to meet timing and resolve 'roadblocks' for successful part PPAP and launch.
• Monitor technical review progress with cross-functional teams, ensuring OISRs are updated and tracking program milestones.
• Understand financial and strategic impacts of agreed 'gives' and 'gets' to optimize value for Dana and negotiate complex supplier issues with minimal supervision.
• Consistently send out and review complete RFQ packages and negotiate basic contract terms to support an agreement.
• Understand key points to leverage beyond price and Dana's standard Terms and Conditions.
• Monitor supplier performance, audit results, and elevate issues within the supplier's organization for resolution.
• Hold regular performance review meetings with key stakeholders and measure compliance to agreements.
• Track savings projects and report accurate forecasts and actuals in the Savings Tracker.
• Work proactively with other departments to reduce the need for inventory.
• Manage the supply chain to ensure optimum workflows and remove non-value-added work.
• Lead Benchmarking, VA/VE, Lean, Resourcing, LPP analysis, and Value Stream mapping events.
• Promote cost reduction activities with key suppliers and share best practices.

Requirements

• Four-year degree in Business (Supply Chain Management or Purchasing preferred) or four-year degree in Engineering (Product or Manufacturing).
• Professional Supply Chain certification preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in procurement.
• Strong team player, able to work effectively on cross-functional teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintain an organized and professional manner when representing Dana.
• Willing to travel as required (estimate 10%).

Skills

• Ability to prioritize work and manage deadlines.
• Analytical abilities to distill complex issues into workable parts.
• Determined, engaged, and thoughtful approach to daily work.
• Identify areas of deficiency in processes and employ resources to optimize.
• Support and personalize needed change within the group/department/organization.
• Develop relationships across the corporation to facilitate inter-divisional cooperation.
• Provide prompt, courteous, and attentive service to internal and external customers.
• Accomplish tasks and make effective decisions without guidance.
• Recognize talents, skills, and behaviors the organization needs and take action to improve individual performance.
• Inspire others in setting and achieving standards of excellence.
• Establish open, candid, and trusting relationships.
• Actively support the implementation and maintenance of lean value and related value streams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work with people at all levels within and outside Dana.
• Familiarity with Procurement and Quality Supplier Metrics with flow-down to supplier contracts and performance reviews.
• Understanding of blueprints and technical specifications.
• Strong personal computer skills, including experience with MS Office Software.