Strategic Buyer

The Career:

What if your next job let you fuel your passion? At Detroit Speed, we’re seeking a Strategic Buyer to help us source smarter, launch faster, and build better. Detroit Speed, located in Mooresville, North Carolina, is seeking a Strategic Buyer to lead sourcing efforts and manage vendor contracts across our supply chain. This role focuses on supplier quality, inventory optimization, and cost competitiveness, while playing a key role in new product introductions through vendor selection and prototype procurement.

At Detroit Speed, we bring modern OEM-quality manufacturing to classic muscle cars. Our products set the standard for precision, innovation, and exceptional fit and finish, making them a favorite among car builders and fabricators.

As a member of our procurement team, you’ll help shape our sourcing strategy, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to a hands-on, dynamic environment. You’ll support negotiations, pricing, and supplier accountability, while refining our supply base systems and solving challenges. If you're looking for a role where you can grow and make a tangible impact in a car enthusiast’s haven, we’d love to hear from you!

What You Will Do:

• Schedule and monitor prototype and pre-production jobs to support efficient new product launches without impacting existing schedules.
• Maintain job timelines and reconcile variances to ensure smooth operations.
• Identify and correct inaccurate manufacturing data (e.g., routings, BOMs) in collaboration with Engineering.
• Work with Engineering to prioritize item releases and support production planning.
• Gather requirements and specifications for RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs.
• Support supplier development and new vendor selection through RFI/RFQ processes.
• Resolve supply chain constraints affecting material availability; may assist with purchase order placement.
• Partner with Quality Control to minimize production delays due to discrepant materials and initiate rework jobs as needed.
• Collaborate with Area Managers to expedite internal production and adjust schedules to meet customer needs and inventory goals.
• Maintain and present product launch schedule reports.
• Contribute to writing purchasing work instructions and departmental procedures.
• Ensure documentation is audit-ready and purchasing records are up to date.
• Other duties as beneficial to the success of QA1.

The Critical Skills and Experience You’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a business discipline or equivalent work experience
• 5+ years of progressive experience in procurement-related capacity, including an international supply base
• Preferred: Experience in contract manufacturing, new product development environments and/or within the automotive industry
• Experience in procurement of engineered metal and plastic components
• Occasional travel to domestic suppliers and QA1 headquarters in Minnesota
• Hands-on, proactive approach to problem solving and process improvement
• Experience with ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001) and maintaining quality management systems
• Positive, collaborative approach to challenges
• Strong communication skills (oral, written, listening) and ability to build rapport across teams
• Self-directed with strong execution, prioritization, and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse team and align with QA1’s values

The Company:

Detroit Speed is part of QA1. QA1 is a privately held leader in performance shocks, steering and suspension systems, rod ends and related components for the motorsports and industrial markets. With multiple U.S.-based manufacturing facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology, we are committed to delivering high-quality products that meet the demanding standards of our customers.

Our core values: Create Solutions, Earn It, People Centric, Do the Right Thing - guide everything we do, shaping our products, customer interactions, and internal collaborations. These principles shape a culture that provides premium performance at competitive pricing, while continuously innovating to solve complex challenges. With a focus on long-term relationships, we prioritize customer interests and deliver reliability and credibility.

At QA1, our expertise is complemented by a genuine passion for helping our customers succeed with their projects. Our team of over 200 individuals includes passionate racers, automotive enthusiasts, and experts from a variety of industrial fields, fostering a dynamic and collaborative workforce.

Our work environment is more than just task-oriented; it is a place where we support each other, have fun, and recognize that every contribution is essential to our collective success. We are not just a company; we are a close-knit, high performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our customers and one another.

The Rewards:

At QA1, we recognize that high-performing teams deserve exceptional rewards. That is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to keep our team members motivated and focused on achieving their career goals. We are committed to supporting our team by offering the resources they need to perform at their best and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Our rewards include:

• Competitive Pay: $55,000 - $85,000 annually DOE.
• Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, life, disability, vision insurance and more.
• 401(k) with Company Contribution – Helping you plan for a secure future.
• Paid Time Off – Company-paid days off for holidays and taking time to recharge.
• Wellness Programs & Perks – Programs to keep you in top shape—physically, socially, and financially.
• Development Opportunities – Personal and professional growth opportunities, including education reimbursement, to keep you improving your skills and advancing your career.
• Community Engagement – Opportunities to give back through local and national charity efforts, strengthening the community around us.
• Employee Product Discounts – Enjoy discounts on company products so you can experience our incredible solutions firsthand.
• Casual dress code.

Interested or Know Someone Who Is?

If this opportunity and our team-oriented culture align with your career goals, please visit www.QA1.net for more information and to apply. We carefully review every application received.

We welcome applications from candidates who are committed to multicultural understanding and enriching our diverse community. To ensure a safe and secure workplace, QA1 conducts criminal background checks and drug screenings for all new hires.