Lead Purchaser (Direct Materials)

The position works with operations, engineering, & product line management to support manufacturing and R&D procurement initiatives including especially the timely and effective introduction of new products and achieving ongoing cost reduction objectives. Will negotiate with suppliers, secure competitive terms on supply agreements, identifies supply chain risks and work with suppliers and internal teams to mitigate those risks, and implements & manages product cost reduction programs to ensure that cost objectives are met. Participates in sourcing new components, negotiating supply agreements and periodic pricing updates, benchmarking industry costs and managing critical supplier delivery issues and other initiatives. This includes developing collaborative relationships with critical suppliers, supporting corporate SCM development programs and monitoring supply chain performance.
This role will be particularly focused on securing competitive costs and supply chain agreements for the WBG group based in the US and will also support other commodities and geographies as needed.
1) Pricing and Contract Negotiations
A) Lead pricing and contract negotiation with key suppliers on initial selection and periodic pricing updates
B) Meet or exceed cost reduction objectives
C) Coordinate with Legal on contract language; brief executives as needed on status and obtain appropriate internal approvals
D) Negotiates reduction or elimination of setup charges, non-recurring engineering charges, tooling charges, and fixture costs
E) Negotiates to reduce / eliminate inventory carrying cost and excess and obsolete inventory exposure
F) Develop and implement related agreements such as Vendor Managed Inventory agreements
2) Supplier Management
A) Communicate SCM plans to critical suppliers; coordinate supplier quarterly reviews, supplier quality metrics, and follow-up on issues regarding component quality, cost and availability
B) Maintain ongoing communications with suppliers proactively identifying supply risks
C) Manage supplier as well as internal plans to mitigate such risks
D) Support and participate in periodic supplier audits as needed, in conjunction with Quality department
E) Identify/manage potential EOL issues that could interrupt production and delivery schedules
F) Develop, implement and coordinate activities to resolve technical, quality and delivery issues in the supply chain
3) New Product Introduction
A) Early involvement in NPI recommending candidate suppliers to Engineering based on technical capabilities, cost, quality, and long term supply chain strategy
B) Develop Supply Agreements with key suppliers as early as possible in design/selection process
C) Works with NPI suppliers to improve cost and reduce lead times in prototype and early production.
D) Coordinate and participate in initial supplier audits as needed, in conjunction with Quality department
E) Implement cost savings programs, monitor critical supplier processes and maintain the scalability and long term viability of the supply chain
F) Meet cost targets and work with engineering to understand delivery schedules and initial production objectives
G) Track critical SCM milestones to meet project management expectations
H) Work with R&D team to effectively manage product changes during model and initial production to avoid stranded inventories and delivery schedule delays
4) Supply Chain Strategy Implementation
A) Co-develop and implement supply chain strategy, identifying optimal solution for each component / commodity / vendor based on competitive situation and internal targets & constraints
B) Identifies major cost contributors and work with suppliers and internal resources to reduce costs, optimize inventory levels and reduce lead times
C) Investigate alternate sources of supply and lead efforts and communications with R&D, Engineering, Quality, and PLM to qualify and introduce alternate components/vendors for supply risk mitigation and cost reduction
D) Benchmarks industry costs and pricing trends; steers product development toward lower cost solutions
E) Reduce the product introduction cycle via ensuring delivery of high quality parts with the shortest cycle times