Procurement Buyer

Position Summary:

The Buyer for Industrial and Specialty Group (ISG) at Cooper Standard will lead procurement efforts, focusing on integrating two existing procurement systems into one unified platform and process. This role will play a critical part in driving a cultural shift toward a cohesive, company-wide approach to procurement, fostering collaboration and consistency. The role requires identifying white space opportunities within the procurement process to drive cost savings, improve supplier relationships, and enhance operational efficiency. The Buyer will utilize data analytics, ERP systems, and procurement software to optimize sourcing, manage inventory, and streamline purchasing decisions. Additionally, the Buyer will collaborate cross-functionally to ensure that the integration of systems and processes aligns with Cooper Standard’s strategic goals and promotes a unified organizational culture.

Primary Responsibilities:

System Integration

• Lead efforts to integrate two existing procurement systems into one cohesive platform,
• driving a seamless transition to a unified process company wide.
• Collaborate with all stakeholders to align procurement processes with business goals and
• ensure consistency across the organization.

Cultural Shift and Cohesion

• Champion a cultural shift within the ISG department, promoting a collaborative, company-wide approach to sourcing and purchasing.
• Foster cross-functional cooperation to ensure that procurement processes align with Cooper Standard’s goals and values, reinforcing a unified, cohesive culture.
• Encourage continuous improvement and best practices that support this cultural transformation, ensuring that all team members are aligned with the procurement process.

White Space Identification and Optimization

• Proactively identify gaps in current procurement practices, focusing on areas where improvements can be made in cost efficiency, supplier performance, and process optimization.
• Develop and implement strategies to close gaps in supplier relationships, underutilized categories, or areas where the procurement process can be improved.
• Utilize data analytics to discover opportunities for operational enhancements, including reducing lead times and improving inventory management.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Lead efforts to evaluate, select, and manage suppliers, focusing on optimizing vendor performance, negotiating favorable terms, and ensuring quality and cost objectives are met.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers and leverage relationships to drive cost savings, and innovation in sourcing
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and standards regarding sustainability, diversity, and supplier performance.

Technology and Data-Driven Procurement

• Leverage ERP systems, procurement software, and data analytics tools to streamline procurement processes, improve decision-making and enhance overall efficiency in purchasing activities.
• Monitor KPIs and use data to guide procurement strategies, optimizing supplier performance and addressing potential risks in the supply chain.

Education and Qualifications:

• 2-4 years of procurement experience.
• Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain/Purchasing or related field.
• Strong knowledge of procurement best practices.
• Experience with ERP systems and procurement software, with a focus on using technology to drive procurement efficiencies and streamline processes.
• Prior experience leading negotiations.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to drive organizational change, with an ability to lead and influence a cultural shift within a procurement department.
• Experience using data analytics tools to track KPIs and optimize procurement strategies based on performance data.
• Manufacturing or technical knowledge (preferred).

Work Environment/Work Conditions:

• Professional Office Environment
• Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required