Buyer

Yazaki is a global leader in the research, development and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions.

Yazaki works with virtually every major auto manufacturer in the world, and we've strived to maintain strategic and stable growth throughout our 83-year history. Today, we're on the lookout for energetic people with the potential to perform, as well as the ability to strengthen - and thrive in - the positive work environment we pride ourselves on.

Location: Canton, MI, USA

Buyer

POSITION SUMMARY

As a key member of our Purchasing Team, the Buyer position works with high levels of independence, drive, and motivation as they will support the development, implementation, and management of strategies to provide Yazaki with optimal quality assurance, pricing, flexibility, quality, and delivery performance.

While working toward good supplier relationships and total costs of ownership to achieve maximum advantage for Yazaki, Buyers will leverage strong working relationships with our Engineering teams and key suppliers to assure cost, quality, and delivery targets are met.

Buyers will perform key commercial aspects of purchasing such as: supplier selection, price negotiation, new material coordination, global coordination, and VA/VE. They will also lead efforts with affiliate procurement and global purchasing members as well as support the development of Purchasing and Commodity strategies.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Owns the RFI, RFP, and RFQ processes – ensures all commercial terms are agreed and documented.
• Ensures NDA’s, SOW’s, and master purchasing agreements are positioned appropriately before business is initiated.
• Manages respective supplier relationships and performance including but not limited to dispute resolution and capacity.
• Drives price negotiation processes to ensure Yazaki’s commodity pricing are best in class.
• Drives continual cost reduction and avoidance initiatives through ad hoc price negotiations.
• Drives supply base consolidation where possible.
• Addresses all areas of category management including business plans, global market and pricing analysis and procurement support.
• Monitors current category market conditions, technology roadmaps and identifies supply/demand challenges and opportunities.
• Analyzes current spend and evaluates current suppliers, consolidating spend across supply base to create leverage, analyze purchasing trends, and develop sourcing alternatives. Identifies new “high potential” suppliers on a global basis.
• Develops key performance measures for chosen suppliers and negotiates on multiple variables to award longer-term strategic contracts that result in significant cost reduction and improved service levels.
• Develops spend strategies, identifies potential suppliers, analyzes supplier capabilities, selects suppliers and determines prices, terms, and conditions of agreements.
• Works collaboratively with other Sourcing Specialists, Sourcing Managers, Category Managers, and Buyers.
• Develops sourcing and negotiation strategies that deliver against business objectives and achieves sustainable relationships with suppliers.

Degree Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Certification Requirements:

None

Previous Experience:

Required: 2-3 years previous automotive experience for Buyer role

Preferred: 5+ years related experience. Ability to read blueprints and schematics. Strong automotive cross functional experience preferred with previous experience in purchasing of commodities such as: Raw Materials, Plastics, Connection Systems, Electronics and Wire/Tape/Sleeving

Travel Requirements:

10-15% Local, Regional, National, and International

Language:

English required, Spanish a plus

Software:

Proficient in Microsoft Office (word, power point, excel). Must have strong Excel skills.

On Call Requirements:

As needed

Physical Requirements:

Office position / Primarily Sedentary

Yazaki North America is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, handicap, veteran status, or other legally protected status or characteristic. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the employment relationship. Yazaki North America complies with federal and state equal employment opportunity laws and strives to keep the workplace free from all forms of harassment.