Lead Buyer

Job Description: Lead Buyer

Stabilus is a global leader in the production of gas springs and dampers on five continents. Our products can be used in a wide variety of industries, such as the automotive and office chair manufacturing industries, furniture technology, solar industry, medical technology, and many other industrial applications. This position will be located in our U.S. Headquarters in Gastonia, NC.

Job Summary:

This person will be working with the NAFTA Purchasing teams in developing a strong, reliable, quality conscious, price competitive supply base. Performing systemic and process data gathering at the internal operational level as well as external market level. Evaluating suppliers by monitoring performance and completing supplier scorecards. Establishing effective communication with new and existing suppliers, using networking skills to find new supply base opportunities. Performing benchmarking research, communicating routinely with German and NAFTA counterparts, working closely with Engineering and Quality departments during new part introduction. This person should effectively convey delivery & quality issues to supply base. This individual will also be responsible for everyday interactions with the in-house operations and the suppliers/commodities.

Essential Job Functions:

• Locate, develop, and set up new suppliers as deemed necessary.
• Collaborate on and maintain a comprehensive supplier matrix/database complete with capabilities and contact information.
• Collaborate on and maintain a detailed supplier visit/audit plan, and performance improvement plans.
• Complete comprehensive quote comparisons and industry benchmarking.
• Set up and follow detailed project plans.

Secondary Job Functions:

• Support Quality and Engineering departments with new parts and/or quality issues.
• Support Logistics department with phase in/out of part numbers.
• Identify key industry conventions in the NAFTA arena.
• Identify, track and report on appropriate industry/commodity indexes.

Job Requirements

Education, Training, Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Finance or Supply Chain Management required.

Experience:

• Three to five years of experience in Purchasing in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with Electronics preferred.
• Experience with Indirect Materials (MRO) a plus.
• Experience with Service Contract Negotiations.
• Ability to travel internationally up to 25%.

Job Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of cost structure and costing.
• Knowledge of legal purchasing terminology and contract wording.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing, fabrication, and production processes used in the industry; including but not limited to raw material production and sourcing, finished goods processes, distribution networks, and delivery terms and methods.
• Basic understanding of purchased materials; including but not limited to steel, plastic, paper, energy, and electronics.
• Understanding of suppliers and supply market dynamic of indirect goods and services.
• Inventory planning and control knowledge.
• Strong problem solving and analytical abilities; competitive analysis research, conduct and manage complex financial models, based on total cost of ownership, Strong research, quantitative and qualitative skills, collecting, analyzing and interpreting data and information, understands procurement process flows.
• High communication and negotiation skills. Communicates effectively in group settings, develop strong relationships, and demonstrates techniques in negotiations or complex requests.
• Proven expertise in performance analysis and reporting.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience setting up and tracking multiple work projects.
• Strong technical skills including spreadsheets, databases, and report preparation and presentation.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills, concise written presentation.
• Fluent in Spanish and English

Working Conditions:

• Physical Effort: Light physical work, mounting gas springs to customer products.
• Mental Effort: Performs a variety of complicated tasks.
• Visual Effort: Must read spreadsheets and documents on computers.