Freelance Geopolitical Risk Analyst Jobs in Michigan

Position: Strategic Commodity Buyer- Electronics  

At Nexteer, our strength lies in the diversity of our team—each member contributing unique backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations. We believe this diversity fuels our innovation, broadens our perspectives, and propels our collective growth.

For over a century, we’ve been innovators in the automotive industry.  Our vision is clear - we are a global leading motion control technology company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting. Our unwavering commitment to Quality, Collaboration, Integrity, and Accountability guides us as we solve motion control challenges for over 60 global customers. If you’re ready to join a dynamic team that drives change and makes a difference, Nexteer welcomes you! 

About the role

The Strategic Commodity Buyer – Electronics will be responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBA) for Electronic Power Steering (EPS) systems. This role involves supplier negotiations, cost management, and ensuring the supply chain meets quality, delivery, and cost objectives. The buyer collaborates with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, and supply chain, to optimize sourcing strategies and mitigate risks.

Key Responsibilities

As a Strategic Commodity Buyer, you will be responsible for:

• Sourcing & Procurement:
  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies for PCBA and electronic components used in EPS systems.
  • Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to enhance cost-effectiveness and supply security.
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to achieve cost savings while ensuring supplier accountability.
• Supplier Management:
  • Manage relationships with key PCBA suppliers, ensuring on-time delivery, quality compliance, and cost performance.
  • Monitor supplier performance using KPIs (e.g., quality, OTD, cost competitiveness) and implement corrective actions when needed.
  • Work with suppliers to drive cost reduction initiatives (VA/VE, localization, DFM/DFA improvements).
• Cost & Risk Management:
  • Conduct cost analysis for PCBA assemblies and electronic components, benchmarking against industry standards.
  • Implement risk mitigation strategies for supply chain disruptions, component shortages, and geopolitical risks.
  • Support Make vs. Buy decisions and dual sourcing strategies to ensure continuity of supply.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with engineering and R&D to align sourcing strategies with new product development.
  • Support quality teams in resolving supplier-related quality issues (e.g., PPAP, 8D problem-solving).
  • Assist in supply chain planning by aligning supplier capacity with demand forecasts.
• Compliance & Documentation:
  • Ensure purchased PCBAs comply with automotive industry standards (IATF 16949, ISO 26262, RoHS, REACH, and APQP).
  • Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and supplier agreements in ERP systems.
• Hybrid work environment, with some global travel required for supplier visits and audits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in procurement or supply chain management, with proven experience in sourcing of PCBA. Experience with automotive supplier management (Tier 1 or Tier 2) required
• Understanding of PCBA manufacturing, electronic components (MCUs, capacitors, resistors, etc.), and SMT processes required
• Familiarity with automotive electronic quality standards (e.g., AEC-Q, PPAP, APQP) required
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills and ability to analyze cost structures and conduct supplier benchmarking required
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
• Experience in VA/VE initiatives for electronic components preferred
• Knowledge of global supply chain constraints affecting PCBA sourcing preferred

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. Do not apply for this role if you will need immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of Nexteer as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

Nexteer is an Equal Opportunity Employer Disabled/Minorities/Veterans/Women

Nexteer is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employees to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States.

Accessibility for Applicants with Disabilities: If you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please email careers@nexteer.com. Please provide your contact information and details about the posted position of interest. Only inquiries regarding assistance for those who need an accommodation with the online application process due to a disability will be returned.

About Nexteer

Nexteer Automotive is a global leading motion control technology company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting. Our innovative product and technology portfolio includes electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steer-by-wire systems, steering columns and intermediate shafts, driveline systems and software solutions. The company solves motion control challenges across all megatrends – including electrification, software/connectivity, ADAS/automated driving and shared mobility – for more than 60 customers around the world including BMW, Ford, GM, RNM, Stellantis, Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China including BYD, Chery, Great Wall, Geely, Xpeng and others. Learn more at: www.nexteer.com

Employment Agencies 

Employment agencies are an important component of our talent acquisition strategy, and we value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. We will not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies for any employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Nexteer Automotive or directly to hiring managers in any form without a signed Nexteer Automotive Agency Agreement on file, and search engagement for that position, will be deemed unsolicited in nature, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired as a result of the referral or through other means. Additionally, any resume submitted without a contract in place will be considered Nexteer Automotive property and no fees will be paid to the agency if the candidate is hired. 

Please note, agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by a member of Nexteer’s Human Resources team.  No other Nexteer employee is authorized to bind Nexteer to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by an agency.