We are seeking an experienced Automotive Fasteners Purchasing Specialist / Buyer to join our in-office team. In this procurement role, you will manage and optimize our strategic sourcing of automotive fasteners and metal components. You will leverage your hands-on background in purchasing, technical drawing interpretation, and automotive manufacturing standards to secure high-quality components, negotiate competitive agreements, and collaborate with international suppliers.
Note: A Purchasing Specialist with the ability to communicate in German is considered a strong asset for our European manufacturing partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Strategic Sourcing: Execute end-to-end procurement of metric fasteners, nuts, bolts, and specialized metal components tailored to automotive manufacturing requirements.
- RFQ & RFP Management: Lead supplier quote processes, performing comprehensive commercial and technical evaluations to ensure optimal total cost of ownership (TCO).
- Blueprint Reading: Interpret technical engineering blueprints and manufacturing drawings, ranging from basic component specs to complex multi-view assemblies.
- Contract Negotiation: Lead contract negotiations regarding pricing, volume commitments, lead times, and quality agreements to maximize cost savings.
- Supplier Performance: Monitor vendor performance, tracking delivery reliability, quality metrics, and adherence to international standards.
- Compliance: Ensure the full compliance of all procured fasteners with public engineering standards, including ISO, DIN, ASME, and SAE.
- Automotive Quality Standards: Align procurement activities with core automotive quality standards and production processes, including PPAP, APQP, and IATF 16949.
- MRP / ERP Systems: Utilize Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to manage inventory targets, track purchase orders, and forecast material demand.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Quality Engineering, Production, and Logistics teams on-site to resolve supply chain disruptions.
Required Qualifications
- Blueprint Interpretation: Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
- Fastener Procurement: Minimum 3 years of dedicated experience purchasing and sourcing fasteners (nuts, bolts, threaded components, and specialized hardware).
- Automotive Supply Chain: On-the-job experience sourcing precision metal parts specifically within the automotive manufacturing industry or a related industrial sector.
- Logistics Knowledge: Solid understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, Just-In-Time (JIT) logistics, and strict automotive quality documentation.
- Systems Experience: Proven track record of hands-on experience utilizing MRP/ERP systems for material planning and procurement.
- Industry Standards: Advanced familiarity with public standards governing fastener geometry, materials, and testing (ISO, DIN, ASME, SAE).
- Communication: Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to resolve conflict.
Preferred Qualifications
- Language Skills: German language proficiency (spoken and written) to facilitate direct technical and commercial communication with European suppliers.
- Leadership: Previous leadership experience or cross-functional team coordination within a manufacturing supply chain.
Benefits:
- 401(k) plan and company matching
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Performance bonus
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
