Operational Buyer

Aufgaben Mercedes-Benz: Building Exceptional Vehicles… and Careers! The best chapters in Alabama's automotive success story are yet to come. The Mercedes-Benz automobile of the future will be different; greener, more efficient, safer, and even more fascinating. Only one thing will never change - It will wear a star. The vehicles we manufacture are the finished results of our skilled workforce, and we're hiring even more. We are looking for Specialists and Team Members to join us in crafting a wide variety of vehicles from the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV to our all-electric electric vehicle, the EQS SUV and EQE SUV. Our Tuscaloosa County site is home to the production of Mercedes' luxury SUV models, including electric vehicles. Just down the road in Bibb County, MBUSI has launched the production of high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Our two campuses are among the most advanced automotive manufacturing facilities in the world, with over 6 million square feet combined. MBUSI offers an excellent total rewards package including competitive compensation, health and life insurance, 401(k) matching program and defined contribution retirement plan, annual bonuses, tuition assistance, and paid holidays. Further on-site MBUSI resources such as childcare, medical center and fitness center are available for all to utilize. Our Team Members share a common goal to be the best luxury auto manufacturer in North America. MBUSI is committed to excellence and actively promotes positive team culture, teamwork, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Mercedes-Benz, U.S. International, Inc. takes pride in being an Equal Employment Opportunities workplace. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, age, ethnic origin, and any other characteristics classified under applicable Local and Federal laws. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to join us in electrifying the future! Purpose of the Position: Under general supervision, The Operational Buyer is responsible for developing, sourcing, and awarding suppliers to ensure a resilient and competitive supply chain for Mercedes Benz. This role acts as the primary commercial interface for suppliers, driving cost optimization, leading negotiations, and representing Mercedes Benz in internal and external interactions. The Operational Buyer is accountable for supplier performance, cost transparency, competitive bidding management, and supporting cross functional teams through workshops, analyses, and strategic sourcing activities. Essential Functions: Main Objectives * Secure uninterrupted supply by developing and steering a reliable supplier base * Drive sourcing activities from supplier identification through nomination * Achieve cost optimization targets through analysis, negotiations, and supplier workshops * Represent Mercedes Benz professionally with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers * Manage supplier relationships to ensure performance, compliance, and continuous improvement * Execute competitive bidding, cost analysis, and commercial strategies for assigned commodities 1. Supplier Development, Sourcing & Awarding - 35% * Develop, evaluate, and recommend suppliers based on technical, commercial, and strategic criteria. * Conduct and lead sourcing activities including RFQs, cost analyses, commercial evaluations, and supplier negotiations. * Prepare sourcing documentation and steer nomination decisions through internal governance. * Ensure supplier readiness, capability, and alignment with Mercedes Benz standards. 2. Operational Purchasing & Supplier Steering - 30% * Act as the primary point of contact for suppliers for all commercial topics. * Ensure supply continuity by resolving issues and driving rapid corrective actions. * Monitor supplier performance including delivery, quality, cost, and compliance. * Lead claim negotiations and coordinate with cross functional teams on countermeasures. 3. Cost Optimization & Financial Analysis - 20% * Perform detailed cost breakdowns and benchmark analyses. * Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities with suppliers and internal stakeholders. * Facilitate cost focused workshops and drive implementation of agreed cost measures. * Track cost evolution and ensure alignment with departmental and corporate targets. 4. Cross Functional & External Representation - 10% * Represent Mercedes Benz in supplier meetings, internal committees, and cross functional alignment sessions. * Communicate sourcing strategies, risks, and decisions to leadership and peer groups. * Build strong internal partnerships across engineering, logistics, quality, legal, and finance teams. 5. Competitive Bidding & Negotiation Strategy - 5% * Prepare and execute competitive bidding cycles for assigned commodities. * Develop negotiation strategies that balance cost, risk, and long term competitiveness. * Ensure compliance with global procurement guidelines and documentation standards. Perform safe work practices and participate in trainings and safety programs in a positive and proactive way by following safety rules, procedures, regulations, standards and laws. Report all unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and injuries to management, including your supervisor, or the Safety Department. Work safely 100% of the time. Perform other duties as required. Communication Relationships: Internal * Engineering (R&D, industrialization teams) * Quality (supplier quality engineers, audit teams) * Logistics, Planning & Production with SC * Legal, Finance, Cost Engineering * MP(Germany) External * Suppliers and potential new suppliers * External auditors, consultants, and technical service providers * Industry associations and benchmarking partners Delegated Authorities: The Operational buyer is authorized to: * Autonomy to lead supplier negotiations and award recommendations * Authority to escalate supplier performance issues and initiate countermeasures * Responsibility to execute sourcing strategies in alignment with global procurement guidelines Financial authority and responsibility: * Authorized to negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and claims within defined delegation levels * Responsible for cost transparency, spend management, and adherence to budget targets * May approve purchase orders or sourcing recommendations within assigned monetary limits Qualifikationen QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Experience and Necessary Skills all must be met in order to qualify for position. Education: This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations Management, Business Administration Experience: A minimum of three (3) years' of relevant professional experience in the following area(s):Procurement, Supplier Quality, Supplier Management function or related functions. Necessary Skills, Certifications, etc.: 3-5+ years experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, or related functions * Proven experience in supplier negotiation, commercial management, or cost analysis * Exposure to sourcing projects, competitive bidding, and supplier development activities * Experience working in cross functional teams within a manufacturing or automotive environment * Strong commercial and analytical mindset * Proficiency in cost breakdown analysis and financial evaluation * Excellent communication and negotiation skills * Ability to manage multiple suppliers and priorities simultaneously * High level of ownership, accountability, and problem solving capability * Competent with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and procurement systems (MP systems) * Ability to work effectively across cultures and global teams Preferred Skills: * Experience in the automotive industry or with technical commodities * Knowledge of USMCA trade requirements or global sourcing regulations * Familiarity with cost engineering methods or technical drawings * Experience hosting supplier workshops and leading cross functional alignment * German language skills (beneficial but not required) Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Created: 2026-04-02