Senior Buyer - Foam, plastics, resins, PU, PET, or aluminum

Senior Buyer Automotive (Detroit, MI | $100,000 + Benefits)

A leading Tier 1 supplier to the automotive industry is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to support both new program launches and series production purchasing.

This is a strategic and visible position within a global manufacturing group, offering the opportunity to influence sourcing decisions and supplier relationships across key material categories that directly impact vehicle performance and cost.

The Role

Youll take full ownership of sourcing and supplier management for direct materials, partnering closely with engineering, operations, and quality to ensure competitive cost, delivery, and quality outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead RFI/RFQ and sourcing initiatives for assigned commodities.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies based on market trends and supplier capability.
• Negotiate commercial terms and supply agreements.
• Analyze cost structures and identify value improvement opportunities.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives across prototype and production phases.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance using key metrics.
• Support supplier audits and technical reviews.
• Collaborate with engineering to manage ED&D cost reviews and ensure best-in-class pricing.

About You

• Bachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering.
• 5+ years of purchasing or commodity management experience within automotive OEM or Tier 1/Tier 2 environments.
• Proven track record negotiating in complex commodities such as interior trim, plastics, NVH, or raw materials.
• Proficient in SAP and MS Office.
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, technical environment.

Preferred:

• Experience sourcing plastics, resins, PU, PET, or aluminum.
• Commercially savvy, detail-oriented, and confident managing global supplier interfaces.

Whats on Offer

• Base salary: $100,000 + full benefits package.
• High visibility and cross-functional impact.
• Long-term career growth in a global, innovation-driven organization.
• Collaborative environment with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.