Purchasing Manager

Hitachi - Farmington Hills, MI

Full-time

Onsite - Farmington Hills, MI

Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing

About the position

The position at Hitachi Astemo Americas, Inc. is focused on leading the tube and rod category strategy and cost reduction initiatives. The individual in this role will be responsible for enhancing the understanding of current model designated project bills of material, identifying opportunities for cost reduction, and implementing key activities that support the delivery of NEGO and VEC cost reduction. This role is critical for improving profitability on essential programs across three key sites. The successful candidate will work closely with the Design Engineering (DE) and Purchasing teams to drive a comprehensive understanding of cost reduction opportunities. This includes prioritizing these opportunities and removing any roadblocks that may hinder implementation. The position requires a strong analytical mindset to review and compare current model bills of material and part drawings for suspension products, highlighting differences and potential cost reduction opportunities. Additionally, the role involves developing and implementing proposals aimed at reducing component costs, establishing negotiation strategies, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure successful implementation of sourcing decisions made by Global Category Purchasing. The candidate will also be responsible for developing standardized processes, including status reports, and will report progress to management. This position may require domestic and some international travel to support product development and supplier readiness, including managing tooling development and assessing the commercial impact of component design changes.

Responsibilities

• Review and compare current model bills of material and part drawings for suspension products to highlight differences and potential cost reduction opportunities.
• Develop and implement proposals aimed at reduction of component cost.
• Interface with DE and Global Category Purchasing to prioritize opportunities and establish negotiation strategies.
• Drive implementation once sourcing is completed by Global Category Purchasing, working internally and with suppliers.
• Develop a standardized process including status reports and report status to management.
• Coordinate technical reviews with suppliers and manage suppliers' risk assessment.
• Manage supplier readiness including control of tooling development and commercial impact of component design changes.

Requirements

• Possess a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Project/Program Management.
• 5-10 years of industry experience in program management, purchasing, or a related field.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Well organized and detail-oriented.

Nice-to-haves

• Program Management Certification is a plus.