Position Summary
Responsible for planning, negotiating, and executing the purchase of direct materials required for manufacturing operations, ensuring the best total cost, quality, and delivery performance while maintaining strategic supplier relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Issue and follow up on purchase orders based on production requirements (MRP/ERP).
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and lead times with domestic and international suppliers.
- Evaluate, select, and develop suppliers (new vendor qualification/approval).
- Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock, coordinating with Planning and Warehouse teams.
- Track open purchase orders and resolve delays or non-compliance issues.
- Analyze price variances (PPV) and propose cost-reduction strategies.
- Manage quality non-conformances related to purchased materials, in coordination with the Quality department.
- Maintain accurate and updated information in the ERP system (SAP, Oracle, JDE, etc.): pricing, lead times, supplier codes.
- Support internal and external audits related to the purchasing function.
- Participate in cost-reduction projects, engineering change notices (ECNs), and new product launches (APQP/PPAP for automotive, if applicable).
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, International Trade, or related field.
- 5 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment (automotive, electronics, metal-mechanic, etc.).
- ERP system proficiency (SAP preferred).
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, analytical formulas).
- Advanced English proficiency (if working with international suppliers or corporate headquarters).
- Knowledge of Incoterms, foreign trade, and international logistics (preferred).
- Strong negotiation skills, cost analysis, and supplier management capabilities.
Core Competencies
- Negotiation and effective communication
- Results orientation and data analysis
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
- Cross-functional teamwork (Production, Quality, Engineering, Finance)
