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Nippon Seiki is a world-class manufacturer of instruments for vehicles, agricultural, and construction equipment. Established in 1946, Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Japan, with numerous facilities worldwide. Nippon Seiki North America ("NSNA"), a group company of Nippon Seiki, located in Aurbun Hills, MI, is a tier one supplier of instrument clusters and head-up display units for FCA US, General Motors, BMW, Honda, Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Polaris, Arctic Cat and other OEM's.

The NSNA Advanced Purchasing Buyer III leads strategic sourcing and cost estimation activities for new programs, with a focus on electronic components. The role requires a basic knowledge of electronic components, including integrated circuits (ICs), microcontrollers, memory devices, and other passive electronic components (such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and connectors) to effectively support supplier discussions, sourcing decisions, and cost evaluations. This position partners cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, program management, and supplier quality to ensure on-time program execution and optimized total cost. The position is responsible for driving sourcing strategies, leading supplier selection and negotiations, and developing strong supplier partnerships to support business growth. Additionally, this role identifies cost reduction opportunities, mitigates supply chain risks, and supports continuous improvement across the procurement lifecycle.

Top duties or activities in a given year. Not all tasks/steps performed are listed.

• Serve as the purchasing representative within cross-functional program teams, driving sourcing strategy and commercial alignment from acquisition through APQP, launch, and full product lifecycle.
• Drive sourcing of new components from the acquisition phase of the project, up to the industrialization of new projects, including major changes in make market, analyzing future material needs.
• Evaluate risks in current supply base and work closely with Supplier Quality, Supply Chain and Manufacturing to maintain strong supply chain and manage contingency plans during sourcing of new components.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality on new product designs and investigates new technical partners as needed for that development.  Focus on early Supplier involvement for new products and customer quotes.
• Responsible for commercial negotiations and develop/maintain strategic supplier agreements, ensuring protection of intellectual property, while driving best-in-class performance in quality, delivery, cost, and lean principles to achieve a highly competitive and resilient supply base.
• Follow up on supplier and material status during product development to ensure acquisition, to avoid delays to SOP, and facilitate handoff to production purchasing to ensure communication.
• Achieve and maintain Bill of Material (BOM) costs based on targets and in cooperation with Engineering team; Control BOM cost on each maturity step of the project, or for each change. Define measures to close the gaps to target BOM. 
• Lead commodity and localization strategy development and execution for electronic components, collaborating with global teams to ensure alignment and successful implementation.

Required and/or preferred level of education, knowledge and skills that are necessary.

• Bachelor Degree in Supply Chain management or related field

• This role requires a minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience, ideally within the automotive industry (Tier 1 preferred), with a strong background in Purchasing
• 5+ years in a manufacturing environment (preferred)
• Experience in identifying and supporting cost savings negotiations (Negotiation acumen preferred)
• Experience preparing and presenting cost reports & analysis to Senior Management levels
• Technical ability, preferably with electronics
• Expertise with RFQ processes and benchmarking costs
• Experience working cross functionally with Product Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Purchasing and Manufacturing to validate supplier costs
• Experience in areas similar to ADAS, EV/HEV, HUD’s
• Experience coordinating with project management
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams and remote teams
• Experience with VA/VE methodologies and processes
• Experience and knowledge in financial analysis, including forecasting & budget management
• Experience negotiating and operating in different cultures and working under pressure.

• Adaptation/Flexibility: Includes keeping an open mind regarding new ideas and ways of doing things. Willing to consider alternative interpretations or ways of looking at the situation. Demonstrating flexibility.
• Initiative/Results Driven: Includes setting high standards of performance for self and others. Striving to accomplish goals even if it means personal sacrifice. Putting the goals of the organization above own goals.
• Judgment/Decision Making: Includes making decisions and takes actions that have beneficial impact. Effectively evaluating information in order to come up with sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Resource Management: Includes setting clear objectives to guide action for self or others to accomplish goals. Organizing or adjusting information, people and materials to meet those goals.
• Team Work: Includes encouraging and supporting the ideas and effort of others. Finding ways to help the team or group perform effectively.

Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5pm. Off-hours as needed.

Hybrid position, 2 days onsite / 3 days offsite

25% international and/or domestic. 

If domestic travel is necessary, valid drivers’ license is required.

If international travel is necessary, valid passport is required.

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Nippon Seiki North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Candidates must meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years to comply with labor laws and job responsibilities.