Sr. Direct Material Buyer

Senior Direct Material Buyer A Leading manufacture of automotive components is seeking a Sr. Direct Material Buyer. This well-established company combines a spirit of innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality that allows it to rise above the competition. With facilities world wide, this growing company can offer you professional development and career advancement opportunities to help you reach your goals. Enjoy a great salary and benefits package in a beautiful area of the country when you come on board! This client offers an excellent compensation and benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, matching 401K plan, tuition reimbursement, and a number of other programs. Additionally, a full relocation package is available – a unique benefit at this level that demonstrates that this employer is serious about treating employees right! In this position you’ll be an impact player in the manufacture of Tier one automotive products. If you love being involved in a high volume machining and assembly manufacturing operation, then this may be your dream job! Primary Responsibilities:· Assume leadership role in cost reduction activity by providing input from the design stage to ensure the target cost is met during the project stage, to all along the production life by creating and implementing action plan meeting budget requirements. Report his/her activity once a month to Purchasing management. · Support the Supplier Commodity Engineer in the VAVE and Kaizen supplier work shops by defining cost reduction targets and negotiating cost sharing rules with the suppliers. · Draft, negotiates and implements long term contracts. · Is familiar with the main cost drivers on his/her commodity and communicates internally to support design or initiate sourcing decisions. · Assess, with the support of the concerned departments, his/her supplier base and propose and a long term strategy to develop and improve his/her supplier base according to the company long term needs and the market situation.  · Responsible for the overall performance of his/her suppliers and their Quality, Cost and Delivery performance. · As an expert in his/her commodities, is familiar with the worldwide supplier base and knows the strengths and weaknesses of major ones. · Stay abreast of market trends and new technology and communicate with Engineering and management based on such information · Frequently travel to suppliers, including overseas travel · Work daily overtime when directed by immediate supervisor or, as necessary, to complete essential job duties. · Perform other duties as assigned Essential Skills/Knowledge/Experience:· Bachelor of Science in engineering or business. · Three to five years of direct material purchasing experience in automobile industry, ability to manage a project, and provide general guidance and training to less experienced buyers and support employees. · Ability to identify key purchasing related issues and then apply problem-solving skills to creatively resolve complex procurement related issues. · Ability to function successfully with considerable latitude.  Requires technical guidance only on unusually complex problems or issues. · Comprehensive knowledge of material management and procurement function.  Professional certification is a plus but not required. · Strong PC skills, including proficiency with Excel, Word and Access · Good communication skills, both verbal and written · Ability to work in a participative management environment and maintain a drive for accomplishment of responsibilities · Ability to travel extensively, with little or no notice · Willingness and ability to relocate within North America as requested by management · Basic knowledge of applicable quality, health, safety, and environmental management systems Desired Education:·  Bachelor of Science in engineering or business.  Candidate MUST be an “A” PlayerThe Employer will not sponsor visas.If you are interested and qualified, please respond with the following:* Required *MS WORD document resume *Availability  *Complete Contact Information (Phone, Address, e-Mail) *Compensation Requirements Email to Bob Thomas at bob@mrkinston.com  If you are not interested, but know of someone who is qualified; please feel free to forward this e-mail on to them.We respect your privacy and will never submit a resume to a third party without your permission. You can be assured that the information you give us will never be forwarded to any hiring company without your specific, direct permission in advance.   MRINetwork is the largest and most successful search organization in the world. Each MRINetwork office is a single point of contact to over 1,100 offices in more than 37 countries, our candidates have access to the right jobs virtually anywhere in the world. LOCATION: US-TN-Knoxville JOB CATEGORY: Logistics/Transportation TYPE: Full Time, Employee COMPANY: MRINetwork