Job Summary:
The Buyer position will focus on new product introduction (NPI) projects, key commodity strategies or a combination of both. The Buyer assigned to NPI projects will focus on managing purchasing activities for components, materials, and related tooling for the entire project Bill of Materials (BoM). The Buyer assigned to key commodities will manage purchasing activities of group of commodities. In general, the Buyer is responsible for supplier sourcing, commercial negotiations, component pricing, tooling costs, and execution of purchasing deliverables in support of program, cost, quality, and timing objectives. Serving as the functional purchasing lead, this role effectively communicates sourcing activities, risks, and timelines while working closely with cross-functional stakeholders to support successful product launches and ongoing production.
Responsibilities:
- Lead sourcing activities for assigned products and components throughout the product lifecycle, supporting all Bill of Material (BoM) requirements for new and existing programs.
- Partner with suppliers and cross-functional teams to evaluate sourcing opportunities, support supplier selection, negotiate commercial terms, and achieve cost, quality, delivery, and timing objectives.
- Develop and execute commodity and sourcing strategies that align with business goals, market conditions, supplier capabilities, and operational requirements.
- Manage program and component costs, including piece-price, tooling, and value engineering initiatives, to ensure adherence to approved budgets and profitability targets.
- Drive supplier performance and accountability by monitoring quality, delivery, capacity, cost, and risk metrics, while leading continuous improvement and corrective action initiatives as needed.
- Identify and execute cost-reduction opportunities through supplier negotiations, resourcing projects, Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) activities, and process improvements.
- Coordinate purchased-component launch activities and supplier readiness to ensure successful product introductions and achievement of program milestones.
- Mitigate supply chain risks by proactively assessing supplier capabilities, business continuity concerns, capacity constraints, and market-related impacts.
- Lead supplier relationship management activities, including performance reviews, commercial negotiations, contract compliance, and long-term strategic development.
- Serve as the Purchasing representative on cross-functional program teams, collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Production Planning, Finance, and Program Management.
- Ensure successful handoff and transition of sourced components from development to production, supporting launch readiness and ongoing operational requirements.
- Maintain accurate sourcing, supplier, cost, and purchasing performance records and reports to support business planning, decision-making, and management reviews.
- Adhere to federal and state regulations.
- Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures.
- Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
- Predictable and reliable attendance.
Position Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of three (3) years of purchasing experience within the automotive, new technology, or battery industry.
- Demonstrated analytical skills with the ability to develop, interpret, and evaluate cost models, cost breakdowns, and pricing analyses.
- Demonstrated ability to utilize Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems required.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Software, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
- Knowledge of battery module or battery pack components and manufacturing processes preferred.
- Previous experience using an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software; Plex preferred.
- Ability to travel approximately 20% domestically and internationally.
Key Competencies:
- Thinks Strategically: Acts with the long-term future in mind. Considers future impact when weighing decisions. Anticipates trends and future consequences.
- Takes Calculated Risks: Takes calculated risks to achieve goals. Finds a balance between analysis and action. When fails, accepts it, learns from it, and moves on to the next challenge.
- Decision Making & Analysis: Makes sound decisions based upon a mixture of data-driven analysis, expertise, experience, and judgment; collects relevant information, seeking input from others, and identifies connections and/or root causes of problems.
- Takes Initiative: Exhibits strong drive for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.
- Integrity: Acts and makes decisions in a manner consistent with the needs of the public in delivery of products/services. Acts in line with the culture and norms of both the organization and society in general.
- Leads Change: Persistently moves in the face of ambiguity, dilemmas, and resistance to get completion of changes in an organized way; adapts with flexibility to and copes with changing situations while maintaining focus on goals.
- Continual Improvement: Displays a consistent orientation toward producing the highest quality products or services while keeping a focus on sustainability. Constantly looking for incremental improvements in work processes and results.
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment.
- Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen.
- May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead.
- The person in this position needs to occasionally move about in industrial environments and on uneven terrain.
- Works in a temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions and in industrial environments.
- The noise level in the work environment can be moderately loud.
Why Join Us
American Battery Solutions (ABS) provides comprehensive 100% employer paid benefit plans to employees and their family, competitive salary and retirement program. ABS employs a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Benefits Overview
- Paid time off includes 3 weeks vacation, up to 72 hours sick, 15 holidays, and parental leave.
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) offerings.
- Company provided 401K savings plan with immediately vested matching contributions to help you save for retirement.
- Voluntary benefits offerings.
- Tuition assistance.
- Employee Referral Program.
- Employee development and career growth opportunities.
About Us
American Battery Solutions Inc. (“ABS”) is a manufacturer of advanced batteries for commercial, fleet, and industrial on- and off-road vehicles. Located in the heart of the U.S. automotive region with facilities in Michigan and Ohio. In 2023, ABS was acquired by Komatsu, a world leader in construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment in support of Komatsu’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. ABS continues to operate as an independent entity serving Komatsu applications while continuing to expand and grow our core commercial, fleet and industrial business.
As we have grown, ABS has assembled a world-class team of dedicated and experienced engineers. This team is equipped with a deep understanding of high-voltage, automotive-grade battery systems from concept development and prototyping, to testing and validation, to high-volume production. We pride ourselves on developing a diverse team of next generation battery experts.
The Location - Lake Orion
American Battery Solutions Headquarters and Innovation Center is located in the heart of South-East Michigan in Orion Township. Orion Township is a Pure Michigan Trail Town that has a long-standing dedication to enhancing trails and pathways in its community, which is home to the Polly Ann Trail, Paint Creek Trail, and Iron Belle Trail. The township has more than 50 miles of trails. Southeast Michigan also boasts some of the best eating around! Whether your interest is in furthering your education, enjoying one of the many regional sporting events, or enjoying the vast outdoors that Michigan has to offer, you’ll be at the center of it here!
AMERICAN BATTERY SOLUTIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
