Direct Category Buyer
Direct Category Buyer
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Salary Not Disclosed
1 Vacancy
Job Description
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Job Description:
The Direct Category Buyer at Astemo plays a key role in managing supplier relationships and overseeing procurement strategies within assigned commodities. This role requires deep product knowledge and strong sourcing acumen to ensure suppliers meet company standards for quality cost and delivery while also promoting continuous improvement and innovation. The ideal candidate will be proactive analytical and capable of influencing strategic decisions across a global supply base.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors or Masters degree in Supply Chain Business Engineering or a related field
Minimum 3 years of experience in purchasing or a closely related field
Willingness and ability to travel to suppliers and Astemo facilities as needed (domestic and international)
Preferred Qualifications
Procurement experience in the automotive industry
Strong background in casting and rubber parts sourcing and strategy
Bilingual fluency in English and Japanese is a plus
Key Responsibilities
Collect and analyze category regional and supplier-specific data
Recommend strategic direction to the Global Category Manager based on market intelligence
Propose and implement cost reduction avoidance and continuous improvement initiatives
Contribute to annual budget planning and forecasting activities
Lead negotiations with suppliers (pricing payment terms tooling commercial terms capacity EOL etc.)
Formalize and manage supplier contracts
Own sourcing decisions within assigned categories aligning with global strategy and BU timelines
Support Business Units during acquisition phases with cost estimates and should-cost analysis via the Cost Engineering team
Ensure implementation of global/regional category strategies
Assist in Value Engineering/Cost (VEC) initiatives and supplier negotiations
Report KPIs by supplier and part number
Develop and manage relationships with regional and local suppliers
Monitor and track supplier performance and ensure compliance
Adjust negotiation strategies based on supplier conditions and market dynamics
Support issue resolution and supplier escalations in collaboration with Business Units and regional teams
Required Skills and Abilities
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proven negotiation and contract management skills
Results-oriented with a demonstrated ability to implement strategic initiatives
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence collaborate and build relationships across teams
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel PowerPoint Word)
Effective time management organization and problem-solving abilities
Environmental Health & Safety Responsibilities
Follow all workplace safety protocols and guidelines
Ensure compliance with environmental standards including ISO 14001
Supervisory Responsibilities
This role does not include direct supervision of staff
Working Conditions
Primarily office-based with regular interaction in factory environments
Occasional exposure to noise typical of manufacturing settings
Domestic and international travel required depending on supplier and business needs
Physical & Mental Requirements
Ability to sit for extended periods
Visual acuity to work accurately with data documents and computer monitors
Tools & Equipment
Standard office equipment including personal computer and related software
If youre ready to play a strategic role in shaping Astemos global supply chain while driving value and innovationOwn the Future and apply today
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity disability protected veteran status and national origin.
At Astemo were challenging the status quo with the power of diversity inclusion and collaboration. Our goal is to build an inclusive work environment that celebrates the differences of our employees. We want to ensure that every employee feels valued respected and empowered. We dont just accept differencewe celebrate it we support it and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees our products and our community. Astemo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at Astemo please send the nature of the request and contact information to when applying for the position.
Employment Type
Full-Time
