Purchasing Manager

Job Title: Purchasing Manager

Company: Aisin World Corp. of America

Department: Purchasing - CFMS

Location: Northville, MI

Aisin Group Overview

Based in Kariya City, Aichi, Japan, the Aisin Group is a $35 billion global, Tier One supplier of automotive components and systems with over 214 consolidated companies spanning over 20 countries and some 110,000 employees.

The Aisin Group is the world's sixth largest Tier One supplier of automotive components and systems, such as brakes, transmissions, navigation systems, drivetrain, chassis, body, engine-related parts, electronics and intelligent transportation systems.

As we like to say: "Chances are the car your drove to work this morning is equipped with an Aisin product."

Position Responsibilities

The incumbent is expected to perform the following functions that the company has determined are essential to this position:

Purchasing functions for the following areas:

• Management of purchasing members' activities in multiple locations.
• In conjunction with staff located in multiple locations and companies, manage procurement of Casting, Forging, Machining and Sintering (CFMS) Commodity products for Aisin North America locations. These activities include:
  • Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, confidentiality agreements, master purchase agreements, changes in process, terms, engineering requirements, and other items as required with suppliers.
  • Detailed quotation analysis and negotiation for all cost drivers.
  • Support the launch of new programs, including tracking prototype / trial materials.
  • Evaluate new supplier performance and information.
  • Approve requisitions and monitor invoicing for variances and suppliers for performance
  • Support the launch of new programs, including tracking prototype / trial materials.
• Responsible for preparing annual budget plans (including purchases, manpower, expenses, etc), working with management and Raw Material purchasing to finalize total budget plan for the CFMS Commodities.
• Train, educate, and enforce standard processes in conjunction with AWA systems & processes and NAP needs for all CFMS procurement subordinate team members (including strategy, negotiation tactics, processes, policies, etc).
• In conjunction with management, lead activities for Commodity purchasing to:
  • Develop forms, processes, and systems for Commodity centralized purchasing,
  • Support other Aisin purchasing groups for similar products and processes,
  • Execute communized purchasing activities with suppliers and potential suppliers,
  • Develop total supply chain cost analysis.
• Lead the CFMS procurement team (and support of other teams as appropriate) for cost reduction activities, including cooperation with Aisin affiliated companies.
• Support sub-tier negotiations and purchasing, as necessary.
• Manage team members to coordinate and analyze total volume usage, forecasts, and total material buy for CFMS suppliers.
• Manage related processes as appropriate for quotations, Letters of Intent, Feasibility Studies, Engineering Changes, quotations, capacity investigations, etc.
• Lead and support analysis of various inputs and conditions from cross-functional departments to find cost savings opportunities.
• In conjunction with strategic project purchasing members and SPTT:
  • Assess prospective suppliers for new model programs and localization activities
  • Support development of metal-forming component purchase strategies.
  • Identify suppliers for new business and review their capabilities per engineering requirements.
• Prepare reports and presentations as necessary.
• Gain consensus from multiple manufacturing plants and recommend sourcing decisions.
• Act as Supplier champion to Aisin and voice of Aisin to supplier.
• Develop and maintain record of supplier assessments for CFMS suppliers.
• Work with design team to identify new, local, or advanced materials and processes for mass or cost savings.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Management

• Supervise activities and delegate activity, as appropriate, to direct members and related group members, to achieve desired results.
• Evaluate and develop team members.
• Develop effective plans and strategies for yourself and staff to manage daily activities effectively within established budget constraints.
• This function may be conducted under the direction from and through close communication with not only N.A. management but also several other group companies globally.

• Maintain ongoing communication and performance feedback with staff throughout the year.
• Supervise, educate, and support staff members in achievement of short and long-term goals, including staff development.
• Evaluate current business systems or procedures, as necessary, and suggest improvements for the benefit of Aisin.
• Support business activities to improve team and system performance, as appropriate.
• Manage key supplier relationships effectively.
• Support development of intelligence activities regarding the competitor and supplier information including, but not limited to, new products, product and process improvement, VA / VE, profit improvement, cost reduction and so on.
• Report major, weekly, and monthly activities to Management.
• Operate with "cross-functional" approach and, accordingly, accept / assume new responsibilities as dictated by business environment.
• Function as a key person to manage staff, compile / summarize / analyze and communicate necessary data and develop summary and status documents / materials.
• Support development of cost estimations for engineering analysis, business opportunities and other needs as directed.
• Attend and support regular purchasing meetings with various plants in order to closely communicate, identify, and meet expectations of purchasing team, management, and manufacturing plants.
• Support / maintain / improve group morale and motivation.
• Develop effective plans and strategies for cost control.
• Establish & control documented activity plans, as necessary.
• Develop and execute short-term and long-term plans with other purchasing groups, engineering, and other teams.

• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

Essential Skills and Experience:

• 4 - 9 years' of demonstrated experience
• Experience in manufacturing and technical environment.
• Experience in component purchasing with understanding of manufacturing processes and costs associated with those processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to demonstrate patience and verify facts.
• Demonstrated ability to persevere and complete difficult tasks.
• Thorough knowledge of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
• Understanding of contract standards

Beneficial Skills and Experience

• Experience in automotive industry with understanding of standard job functions and requirements within the industry.
• Experience in multi-cultural environment, preferably Japanese-based.
• Fluency in English with additional language skill in Japanese, Chinese, German, and/or Spanish preferred.

Education/Training/Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, other Applied Science, or Purchasing supply chain management is preferred. Bachelor's degree in Business or other non-technical area is acceptable based on proven technical skill.
• Internal candidates with significant Aisin experience will be consider without degree.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 10 %
• Must be willing and available to travel to such locations and with such frequency as is necessary and desirable to meet business needs.

Work Environment Requirements

With reasonable accommodation:

• Must be able to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other office equipment.
• Must perform job duties onsite, when necessary, except those duties that are customarily or by their nature performed offsite (for example, offsite customer visits).
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to work on multiple assignments at once, and complete assignments within deadline and budget (if applicable) with satisfactory quality.
• Must be able to operate as an effective team member.
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all company safety policies.

Attendance/Work Hour Requirements

• Must maintain an acceptable attendance record.
• Must be willing and available to work weekends and holidays as necessary and desirable to meet business needs.

Bonus Overview

An incentive pay program offers payouts based on individual performance, job level, and company performance.

Benefit Overview

Aisin World Corp. of America offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation and holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, vehicle discounts and more.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The policy of Aisin is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal law. Additionally, Aisin is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search, email us at jobs@aisinworld.com or call us at (734)-453-5551. Please provide a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title of the position for which you are applying.

Diversity Statement

AISIN is committed to workforce diversity, creating equity and advancing a culture of inclusion in which every team member is treated fairly and with respect. Our inclusive work environment brings together a variety of backgrounds, skills, education and perspectives. Attracting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce requires that everyone have an equal opportunity to participate, contribute, and advance.

Current Openings for Purchasing Manager Jobs at AISIN World Northville