Purchasing Manager

Job Title: Sr. Manager - Body Component Purchasing

Company: Aisin World Corp. of America 

Department: Purchasing

Location: Seymour, IN

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. 

Our Northville Township location is the North American sales headquarters of Aisin Group 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 managers, purchasing members and other positions as appropriate in Aisin USA Mfg, Inc. (AUM) including members that are assigned as part of virtual organization
• In conjunction with staff located in multiple locations and companies, manage procurement of body components and support activities for procurement of raw materials and MRO items (including managing members in support of these activities) 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
  • Detail quotation analysis and negotiation for all cost drivers
  • 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 AUM
• Train, educate, and enforce standard processes in conjunction with AWA systems & processes and NAP needs for all body component procurement subordinate team members (including strategy, negotiation tactics, processes, policies, etc)
• In conjunction with management, lead activities, strategy, and management of activities for body component purchasing group to 1) develop forms, processes, and systems for body component central purchasing, 2) support other Aisin purchasing groups for similar products and processes, 3) execute communized purchasing activities with suppliers and potential suppliers, 4) develop total supply chain cost analysis
• Lead body component procurement team (and support of other teams as appropriate) for cost reduction activity 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 body component suppliers for AUM
• Manage related processes as appropriate for RFQ's, LOI's, ECI's, 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 purchasing members and SED:
  • Assess prospective suppliers for new model programs and localization activities
  • Lead development of body component purchase strategies
  • Identify suppliers for new business and review their capabilities per engineering requirements
• Prepare reports and presentations as necessary
• Gain consensus from various 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 body component suppliers
• Work with design team to identify new, local, or advanced materials and processes for mass or cost savings

Management functions for the following areas:

• Supervise activities and delegate activity as appropriate to direct members and related group members as appropriate 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
• 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
• Strengthen staff development
• 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 the 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 plant
• 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

Essential Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience and accomplishments in each of the areas described above that would normally be acquired through 10 or more years of related 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

Work Environment Requirements:

• Must be able to operate a personal computer, telephone and other office equipment
• Must perform job duties onsite, 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 where constructive criticism is encouraged
• 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 extra hours including weekends and holidays as necessary and desirable to meet business needs

Travel Requirements:

• Approximately 30%
• Must be willing and available to travel to such locations and with such frequency as is necessary and desirable to meet business needs

***Candidates applying for positions with Aisin must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

***To the selected candidate, Aisin offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits and outstanding growth opportunities. 

***Aisin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Current Openings for Purchasing Manager Jobs at AISIN World Northville