Commodity Buyer - Direct Materials

Commodity Buyer – Direct Materials

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is looking for a Commodity Buyer – Direct Materials to join our Purchasing team in the Tuscaloosa area. This is an opportunity to play a key role in sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, cost management, and new program support within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

As a Tier 1 automotive supplier, we work closely with major automotive customers and leading suppliers to deliver high-quality products on time and at a competitive cost. In this role, you will have the opportunity to directly influence purchasing decisions, supplier performance, and the overall competitiveness of our business.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute commodity and supplier strategies for assigned direct-material categories.
• Analyze markets, supplier capabilities, pricing, and cost trends to identify sourcing opportunities.
• Lead RFQs, bid comparisons, supplier evaluations, and sourcing recommendations.
• Select and manage suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and technical capability.
• Lead supplier negotiations to achieve competitive pricing and favorable commercial terms.
• Develop cost estimates and support budget planning for new projects and ongoing business.
• Identify and drive cost-reduction, supplier consolidation, and purchasing synergy opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and business partners.
• Monitor supplier performance and help resolve quality, delivery, cost, capacity, and service issues.
• Initiate and monitor supplier development and continuous improvement activities.
• Support new program and project purchasing activities from sourcing through launch.
• Participate in cross-functional teams with Engineering, Quality, Logistics, Finance, Program Management, and Operations.
• Monitor supplier pricing, timing, commitments, and other commercial requirements for awarded projects.
• Drive achievement of established purchasing savings and cost-reduction targets.
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, sourcing, and project information.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, procedures, and applicable quality requirements.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Economics, Materials Management, Purchasing, or a related field preferred.
• At least 3 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in an automotive or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with direct materials or commodities such as resin, plastics, molded components, decorated products, interior components, exterior components, or similar materials preferred.
• Experience working with national and international suppliers preferred.
• Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to analyze quotations, costs, market conditions, and sourcing opportunities.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• SAP or other ERP experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support suppliers and business requirements.

Benefits

• 120 hours of PTO
• 32 hours of unplanned PTO
• 11 paid holidays
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Benefits-eligible employees may enroll in health, dental, and vision coverage effective the first of the month following their date of hire.
• Why Join SMP?
• At SMP Automotive Systems Alabama, you'll be part of a global automotive organization where Passion for Excellence, Accountability, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork, and Integrity are at the center of how we work.
• This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of assigned commodities, build meaningful supplier relationships, contribute to new vehicle programs, and directly impact the cost and competitiveness of our operation.
• Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama area
• Department: Purchasing
• Reports To: Regional Purchasing Manager
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and are committed to providing an environment where employees can contribute, grow, and succeed.