Manager Purchasing

JTEKT North America
Location: Greenville, SC
Hybrid: 3 days in office
Technical Manager level grade - 108

Summary:
This position is located at our North American HQ and is responsible for managing a wide variety of activities required to effectively lead a Technical Direct Material Purchasing team as well as develop a thorough understanding of the JTEKT’s Purchasing Operating Systems.

Job Functions
Manages the purchasing transaction including, but not limited to, acquisition strategy, source selection, supplier negotiation and contract preparation.
Monitors all aspects of the purchasing transaction and coordinates with appropriate internal and external parties to ensure appropriate financial, budgetary, legal, and other cross-functional requirements are met.
Manages the development and implementation of cost reduction strategies in support of the department’s cost reduction goals.
Validates and reports cost reduction data.
Engages in internal systems improvement by brainstorming, developing, or implementing new techniques to address demands within Purchasing, performing special projects, or serving/leading on cross-functional teams.
Monitors changes affecting supply and demand, market conditions, and price trends and initiates proactive commodity plans and strategies.
Builds, communicates, and oversees strategic action for team.
Communicates collaboratively with global counterparts, ensuring alignment of strategy and common understanding of ongoing issues to support the achievement of Purchasing objectives.
Analyzes progress toward departmental milestones and initiates corrective action if needed to ensure that goals and deadlines are met.
Supports requests from others for data creation, data confirmation, status updates, and other activities as needed.

Management Accountabilities:
Supervises and provides leadership, coaching, and training to staff; interviews and selects unit employees; plans and evaluates employee performance; recommends merit increases, transfers and promotions; counsels and disciplines employees as necessary; recommends termination when appropriate. As necessary, performs other related duties of which the above are representative.

Job Knowledge and Skills:
Expert in strategic sourcing and cost reduction, including budget analysis, quote analysis, quote formation, benchmarking, cost forecasting, and negotiation.
Strong Knowledge of personnel management practices and techniques required.
Proven ability to meet and exceed performance objectives in previous roles.
Knowledge of the automotive industry and assigned commodity are preferred.
Strong personal skills in: project management, strategic thinking and leading, communication (written and oral), business acumen, attention to detail, building and maintaining professional relationships, and time/work management.
Intercultural communication skills/awareness are required.
Must demonstrate personal initiative, professional integrity, and diplomacy.
The ability to engage and adapt in a fast-paced work environment is essential.

Experience:
Five to ten years of progressively responsible experience in a purchasing function at a professional level, including three of more years negotiating contracts.

Supervisory Experience:
Two plus years in a leadership role coordinating the work of other employees or contractors. This includes training new employees, assigning work, and checking the timeliness and quality of work. Must have demonstrated success building and mentoring a strong team of purchasing professionals.

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or a related field or equivalent experiences. Advanced degree is preferred.

Travel:
Occasional day and overnight travel required with advance notice.

Why join JTEKT:
Opportunity for growth and advancement in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance and retirement savings plan.
Supportive and collaborative team culture where your contributions are valued and recognized.
Chance to make a difference and drive positive change in our organization and industry.