Commodity Buyer at Prospira America Corporation – Upper Sandusky, Ohio

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Commodity Buyer is directly accountable for creating a long-term, value-added, competitive advantage through the development, management, and collaboration of a supply base that delivers quality products and services that meet or exceed expectations in support of business success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as global supply agent for assigned categories.
• Proactively manage and propose supplier base to ensure continuity of supply with no adverse impact on customer delivery or internal operations, working closely with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Develop and implement global sourcing strategies, including negotiations, to achieve cost, supply assurance, and risk mitigation objectives.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives using cost-of-ownership analysis, cost build-up analysis, benchmarking, and competitive sourcing.
• Negotiate and manage new and existing supplier contracts to ensure cost competitiveness, quality standards, and delivery requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to measure and improve supplier performance, quality, and compliance.
• Monitor the health of strategic suppliers, escalate risks as needed, and recommend countermeasures.
• Serve as a point of escalation for supplier issues and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure all purchasing policies, documents, and procedures are current and consistently applied.
• Provide management reports, key performance data, and monitor cost savings achievements.
• Demonstrate effective project management skills and maintain a continuous improvement mindset.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support business goals.
• Communicate the impact of market changes and recommend solutions to balance quality, service, and cost.
• Stay informed of supply and demand changes that could affect the business and advise stakeholders accordingly.
• Support new business initiatives and projects, assessing and communicating the impact on purchasing activities.
• Assist senior management in maintaining effective relationships with client businesses and suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Four-year degree in Business, or equivalent education or experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in direct/Indirect purchasing functions or related work experience.
• Minimum 2 years of negotiation and quoting experience.
• Proven experience in a sourcing role, preferably within an automotive or manufacturing environment – international sourcing a plus.
• Ability to add value, reduce costs and make business improvements.
• Contract management, supplier and project management experience
• Knowledge and technical understanding of components and supply chain management

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Strong and confident negotiator with the ability to negotiate at all levels
• Timely and informative communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
• Data driven with strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
• Results orientated with the ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines
• Commercially and financially aware with experience of managing budgets
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy

TRAVEL

Travel as needed to visit suppliers. Travel may be domestic or international.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Full time position
• Must work in a professional and courteous manner with coworkers
• Open to work in a diverse work environment
• Manufacturing environment may incur extreme temperature variation
• Work is performed primarily in an office environment.