Overview
Bertrandt US is seeking a highly motivated Procurement Specialist - Automotive Prototype & Supplier Quality to support automotive prototype development and engineering operations. This role is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, supplier development, supplier quality management, and delivery coordination for prototype and low-volume production components.
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Engineering, Prototype Build Teams, Warehouse Operations, Quality, Logistics, and Project Management to ensure critical components are competitively sourced, delivered on schedule, and meet all customer and quality requirements.
What You'll Do
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development
- Identify, evaluate, qualify, and onboard local and regional suppliers for prototype and low-volume production components.
- Develop sourcing strategies that optimize lead time, quality, flexibility, and cost competitiveness.
- Manage RFQ processes, supplier selection, commercial negotiations, and cost analysis activities.
- Establish secondary and contingency suppliers to mitigate supply chain risks.
- Expand local sourcing capabilities to improve responsiveness and supply chain resilience.
Purchasing & Supplier Management
- Create, issue, and manage purchase orders for prototype parts, tooling, materials, and operational requirements.
- Monitor supplier commitments, pricing, delivery schedules, and order acknowledgements.
- Maintain accurate purchasing data within ERP and procurement systems.
- Resolve purchase order discrepancies, invoice issues, and supplier-related concerns.
Delivery Tracking & Expediting
- Track open purchase orders from placement through receipt.
- Monitor supplier delivery performance and proactively expedite critical components.
- Communicate supply risks, shortages, and schedule impacts to stakeholders.
- Coordinate shipments with suppliers, logistics providers, warehouse operations, and project teams.
Prototype Supply Chain Support
- Support prototype builds and engineering development programs operating under aggressive timelines.
- Source machined, fabricated, additive-manufactured, and custom prototype components.
- Participate in build readiness reviews and provide accurate material status updates.
- Support engineering changes, design iterations, and new product introductions.
Supplier Quality Management
- Assess supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, quality systems, and capacity.
- Conduct supplier evaluations and audits as required.
- Ensure compliance with automotive quality standards, customer requirements, and engineering specifications.
- Coordinate containment activities, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Partner with Quality and Engineering teams to address supplier performance issues.
Warehouse & Inventory Support
- Support inventory replenishment through localized sourcing strategies.
- Work with Warehouse and Logistics teams to reduce stock-out risks and improve material availability.
- Identify opportunities for local sourcing based on demand, lead times, criticality, and supply risk.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Finance, Logistics, and Project Management teams.
- Provide supplier capability and sourcing input during product development phases.
- Communicate purchasing status, supplier performance, and delivery risks effectively.
- Support continuous improvement efforts across procurement and supply chain processes.
