Purchasing Specialist

Position Summary:

The Purchasing Specialist will coordinate activities related to the purchase and distribution of materials, equipment, and supplies within the manufacturing facility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Estimate cost by reviewing the market price and determining the supplier’s cost
• Manages negotiation and implementation of all technical modifications.
• Manages the event ordering (RFQ, negotiation, ordering, expediting delivery)
• Domestic and global sourcing to support multiple brands
• Work on new product launches
• Set cost reduction programs in place and account for all direct material costs of the product.
• Project management of all purchasing activity (budget, timing, holding self and others accountable for delivering timely results) for multiple, concurrent new product development programs.
• Ensure product launch meets all program targets for quality, cost, and timing.
• Accountable
• Holds suppliers accountable to commitments and project deliverables independently and takes the appropriate steps to escalate when required.
• Find new cost-effective materials, parts, and/or products for current models and/or new programs.
• Ensure the documentation is set (General Agreement on Purchase of parts, Initial Supplier Assessment, Signed Quality Manual, for an approved supplier list, etc.)
• Apply the necessary information to the Local Procurement Technical Assessment and arrangement of a meeting if necessary.
• Support other departments if necessary.
• Keep a good relationship with the suppliers (The supplier is our partner).

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field or equivalent experience
• At least 3-5 years of procurement experience in a manufacturing facility required
• Experience with negotiation, sourcing, bidding, contracting, supplier performance management, and risk management
• Knowledge of purchasing systems (such as SAP) and MRP systems (such as JD Edwards Enterprise One) is a plus
• Fluent in Japanese and experience with multiple cultures is a plus
• Experience in International Trade Practice is a plus
• Knowledge / Experience in 6S/5S is a plus
• (Lean) Six Sigma belt holder is a plus