Buyer

Position: BuyerLocation: Newaygo, Michigan 49337Industry: Motor Vehicle ManufacturingPay: Up to $95,000 based on qualifications & experienceShift: 1st Shift, 8:00am-5:00pmBenefits:Medical, Dental, HealthPTO401KPosition Summary:Purchases materials, supplies, and services by developing, soliciting, and analyzing supplier quotations. Coordinates activities with other departments to ensure proper delivery, quality, reliability, and low-cost consistency. Locates new sources of supply, establishes new suppliers, and coordinates order maintenance with existing suppliers. Resolves conflicts that arise with supplier delivery schedules, raw materials, inventory, etc.Develops and/or assists in developing strategies and solutions to continuously improve cost levels, maintain stable sources of supply, ensure high quality of commodities, and address other governing factors. Participates in continuous improvement activities. Tracks supplier performance and works with suppliers to improve quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and support.Develops a cost database detailing all material, labor, and overhead costs of purchased products and services. Studies market trends and technology related to the job. Researches and recommends new product developments. Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives.Position Responsibilities:The duties listed below will be performed at all levels and will vary in nature dependent upon work group or department respectively. At level I, work involves primarily routine processing of data/documentation focused on daily workflow requirements. Purchases/decision making may require the understanding of unique technical product specifications including special testing, processing, packing/packaging requirements and/or the decision to group items for lot bidding and awards. The number of suppliers and/or potential suppliers is likely to be small and price differentials often reflect important factors that are difficult to evaluate (i.e. quality, delivery dates, locations, etc.). The quantities of any item or service have the potential to be very large. Guidance is provided directly by person or in the form of policies, systems, or procedures. Decisions typically involve limited risk to the organization. At level II, work requires independent problem solving and decision making with broad guidance provided on overall project objectives with specific guidance on program complexities. May work with suppliers in order to meet challenging and unique requests and address issues related to quality improvement. Quantities of items and services purchased are often large in volume in order to satisfy the requirements for an extended period of time. Complex schedules of delivery are often involved. Decisions focus on prioritization, process, and issues rather than data elements and usually involve moderate risk to the organization although results may have long-lasting impact. At level III, work is complex and difficult in character and requires strong technical and broad business knowledge in addition to program or project management skills. Work involves independent problem solving and decision making with general direction given on project objectives and broad guidance from corporate strategy and goals. Work involves working with suppliers in order to meet highly complex and rigid specifications. Recommends and leads change in department/supplier selection. Exercises considerable latitude in determining specific project objectives and approaches to assignment. Decisions often involve substantial impact and risk to the organization with potential for long-lasting results.Purchases materials, supplies, and services by developing, soliciting, and analyzing supplier quotations. Coordinates activities with other departments to assure proper delivery, quality, reliability, and low -cost consistency. Documents and maintains necessary records and files. May work with agents and customs brokers for overseas material buying.Locates new sources of supply, establishes new suppliers and coordinates order maintenance with existing suppliers. Selects and/or recommends suppliers with who orders will be placed. Develops and maintains relationships with suppliers.Resolves conflicts that arise with supplier delivery schedules, raw materials, inventory, etc. working with Production Inventory Control (PIC) personnel and other areas to resolve escalated conflicts. Assumes ultimate responsibility to ensure suppliers deliver quality product on time.Develops and/or assists in developing strategies and solutions to continuously improve cost levels, stable sources of supply, high quality of commodities and other governing factors related to the Purchasing Department and adjacent areas.Participates in continuous improvement activities that may include developing programs to improve supplier performance. Tracks supplier performance and works with suppliers to continuously improve quality, delivery, cost, productivity and support.Develops cost database detailing all material, labor, and overhead costs of purchased products and services. Works with necessary departments to minimize costs and maximize efficiency of purchasing function.Studies market trends and systems technology related to job. Researches and recommends new product developments. Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives.Position Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.Minimum of 8 years purchasing and/or materials experience, preferably within high-volume automotive manufacturing or a Tier 1 supplier environment.Proven experience managing large purchasing volumes and budgets of $80 million or more annually across multiple product categories (not limited to a single commodity).Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure production environment with significant transaction volumes.Deep knowledge of purchasing concepts, practices, and procedures related to buying materials, equipment, and services in substantial quantities.Strong track record of developing and managing supplier relationships to meet cost, quality, delivery, and reliability requirements.Ability to address complex design and quality challenges independently and creatively.Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills aligned with company goals.Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and manufacturing ERP systems.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of working collaboratively with internal teams and suppliers at all levels.Demonstrated leadership and team facilitation abilities, including strategy development, project planning, and coordination of staff and resources.About Spark Talent Acquisition:Spark Talent Acquisition is a Michigan-headquartered recruiting and staffing company that connects great talent with great employers. We understand that building the right team is vital to success. Listening to our clients and creating customized workforce strategies is at the core of what we do. We pride ourselves in team development as it matches our purpose as an organization to help people grow.

Created: 2025-06-19