Commodity Buyer

Job Summary
The Category Buyer is responsible for managing all purchasing activities within their assigned category, ensuring alignment with the regional and global purchasing strategies set by Astemo.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead price and commercial negotiations with suppliers, both annually and on an ad-hoc basis (including payment terms, tooling, capacity, EOL, and other contractual elements).
• Formalize and maintain supplier contracts.
• Drive sourcing decisions in line with category strategy and Business Unit (BU) expectations, considering timing and technical requirements.
• Prepare cost estimates during acquisition phases, including coordination with Cost Engineering for “should cost” analysis.
• Support the execution of global and regional category strategies.
• Partner with BUs to support VEC (Value Engineering Cost) initiatives and negotiate corresponding savings with suppliers.
• Track and report key KPIs by supplier and part number.
• Gather and maintain relevant regional and global supplier and category data.
• Propose strategic direction to the Global Category Manager based on market intelligence and supplier performance.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in the annual budgeting process.
• Collaborate closely with the Global Category Team to raise and resolve issues related to cost, supply, and quality.
• Build and manage relationships with local and regional suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with Astemo’s purchasing standards and expectations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience in automotive purchasing strongly preferred.
• Ability to read technical drawings and specifications is a plus.
• Familiarity with automotive quality standards is beneficial.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Results-driven with a proven ability to implement cost and process improvements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to influence and collaborate effectively across functions.
• Comfortable managing multiple small-scale projects or one major initiative.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel and PowerPoint).
• Fluency in English required; Japanese language skills are a plus.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in purchasing or a related area.

Note: Final job level will be determined based on organizational structure, scope of responsibility, and individual experience.

Working Conditions

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods. Occasionally required to lift or move up to 25 pounds. Expected to work 40–60 hours per week.
• Travel: Occasional travel to suppliers and Astemo locations is required; some international travel may be necessary.