thyssenkrupp is an international industrial and technology company employing around 100,000 people. Across 48 countries it generated sales of 38 billion in fiscal 2022/2023. Backed by extensive technological know-how, the businesses develop cost-effective and resource-friendly solutions to the challenges of the future, mainly in the fields of climate protection, the energy transition, digital transformation in the industry and mobility of the future. Under the thyssenkrupp umbrella brand the company creates long-term value with innovative products, technologies and services and contributes to a better life for future generations.

The Project Buyer leads costing and sourcing activities for new customer programs; participates in the Cross-Functional Team (CFT) meetings; ensures components are sourced in-time for new programs; investigates and develops cost-down solutions with engineering, purchasing and suppliers in order to achieve cost targets; ensures compliance of all activities with policies related to Compliance, Sustainability and Risk Management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains a safe working environment by complying with all safety and environmental policies in the workplace. Advocates for and promotes a safe work environment by reporting Near Misses and/or other safety and environmental hazards, wearing all required PPE and encouraging others to do the same.
• Take the lead in all aspects of costing and sourcing activities for materials required in new customer programs.
• Utilize expertise in procurement strategies to efficiently acquire necessary components, ensuring alignment with project timelines and budgetary constraints.
• Collaborate closely with commodity buyers to orchestrate the timely submission of quotes and procurement of materials, ensuring adherence to defined cost and time targets.
• Foster strong communication channels to facilitate seamless coordination throughout the procurement process.
• Oversee the consolidation and ongoing monitoring of material costs for acquisitions and new programs.
• Employ advanced analytical techniques to conduct in-depth cost analyses, identifying areas for potential cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
• Spearhead cross-functional initiatives, engaging with key stakeholders such as Engineering, Production, and Logistics teams to develop and implement cost-down solutions.
• Utilize a collaborative approach to leverage diverse expertise and achieve or surpass cost and profitability targets for new programs.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the purchasing department and all relevant stakeholders in assigned customer program Cross-Functional Team (CFT) and acquisition meetings.
• Effectively communicate purchasing strategies, progress, and challenges, ensuring alignment with overall project objectives.
• Provide comprehensive support for purchasing activities throughout the product lifecycle, including proactive involvement in change management processes.
• Anticipate and adapt to changes in project scope or requirements, ensuring seamless integration of purchasing-related activities.
• Uphold strict adherence to organizational standards and policies related to compliance, sustainability, and risk management in all purchasing activities.
• Regularly review and update processes to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience as a Buyer in an IATF16949 Tier I or II automotive company preferred.
• Experience buying engineered components (e.g. metal stampings, compression and injection rubber, screw machine & CNC parts, plastic injection molded parts, blow molded plastic, weldments, hot & cold formed springs, tube products) preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of purchasing processes to include supplier selection techniques, request for quote, negotiation and sourcing decision.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to meet defined targets.
• Strong business acumen.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Engineering background or strong affinity for technique.
• Organizational and communication skills; able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience working with large ERP systems (SAP MM preferred).
• Ability to work in a cross-functional and global matrix organization.
• Highly organized with ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Exhibits integrity through fair and ethical behaviors in all activities; maintains accountability for performance.
• Proven experience developing work processes to improve outcomes for the team/customers.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management/Business/Engineering or related field required.

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation packages, Bilstein of America proudly offers a rich history, steeped in innovation and a lasting commitment to our customers, employees and communities. We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at www.bilsteinrocks.com .

Benefits offered on the first of the month after your employment date:

• Medical, Dental and Optical
• 401(k) with 5% company match (after 90 days of employment)
• Company paid short-term disability (after 6 months employment)
• Paid personal time off
• Annual Company bonus