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Purchasing Manager Automotive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Automotive Services

Campus, IL · On-site

$29.13 - $30.88/hr

... purchasing parts, tools, and equipment at the direction of the instructional staff; hire, train and supervise part time employees; overseeing the maintenance and cleanliness of the automotive ...

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Purchasing Manager Automotive information

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$40.5K

$84.2K

$127.5K

How much do purchasing manager automotive jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing manager automotive in the United States is $84,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a purchasing manager a stressful job?

A purchasing manager in the automotive industry often faces stress due to tight deadlines, supply chain disruptions, and cost management pressures. The role requires strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Is purchasing manager in demand?

Purchasing managers in the automotive industry are in demand due to the ongoing need for supply chain management and procurement of parts and materials. The role requires strong negotiation skills, knowledge of inventory systems, and often a bachelor's degree in business or supply chain management. Employment prospects are generally positive, especially in regions with a robust automotive manufacturing sector.

How much does a purchasing manager earn?

A purchasing manager in the automotive industry typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often require strong negotiation skills and knowledge of supply chain management tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Purchasing Manager in the automotive industry, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Purchasing Manager in automotive, you need expertise in supply chain management, negotiation, procurement strategies, and a relevant degree such as business or engineering. Familiarity with ERP systems like SAP, supplier management software, and industry-specific certifications (e.g., CPSM) are typically required. Excellent communication, analytical thinking, and leadership skills help build strong supplier relationships and lead cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure cost-effective sourcing, timely production, and a competitive edge in a fast-paced automotive market.

How does a Purchasing Manager in the automotive industry typically collaborate with engineering and production teams?

As a Purchasing Manager in the automotive industry, you'll work closely with engineering and production teams to ensure that suppliers meet technical specifications, quality standards, and delivery timelines. This collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings to discuss new product launches, cost-reduction initiatives, and supplier performance issues. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, as you'll need to bridge the gap between technical requirements and supplier capabilities while maintaining cost efficiency and production continuity.

What is the highest paying automotive job?

In the automotive industry, senior executive roles such as Vice President of Manufacturing or Chief Operating Officer typically have the highest salaries. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications, and they oversee large teams and strategic operations within automotive companies.

What does a Purchasing Manager in the automotive industry do?

A Purchasing Manager in the automotive industry is responsible for sourcing and acquiring the materials, parts, and services required for vehicle manufacturing and production. They negotiate contracts with suppliers, ensure timely delivery of quality components, and manage supplier relationships to optimize costs and maintain production schedules. Their role is crucial in balancing cost-efficiency with quality and ensuring that supply chain operations run smoothly to support the company's manufacturing goals.

What is the difference between Purchasing Manager Automotive vs Purchasing Specialist Automotive?

AspectPurchasing Manager AutomotivePurchasing Specialist Automotive
ResponsibilitiesOversees procurement strategies, manages supplier relationships, and leads purchasing teamsExecutes purchasing tasks, sources suppliers, and processes purchase orders
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in supply chain, procurement, or related field; often experience in managementBachelor's degree or diploma; procurement certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, often in manufacturing or automotive companiesOffice or plant-based, supporting procurement operations
Industry UsageCommonly used in automotive manufacturing companiesUsed across automotive suppliers and dealerships

The main difference between a Purchasing Manager Automotive and a Purchasing Specialist Automotive lies in scope and responsibility. The Purchasing Manager oversees procurement strategies and manages teams, while the Purchasing Specialist focuses on executing purchasing tasks and sourcing suppliers. Both roles require relevant procurement knowledge, but the manager position typically demands more experience and leadership skills.

More about Purchasing Manager Automotive jobs
What cities are hiring for Purchasing Manager Automotive jobs? Cities with the most Purchasing Manager Automotive job openings:
What states have the most Purchasing Manager Automotive jobs? States with the most job openings for Purchasing Manager Automotive jobs include:
Infographic showing various Purchasing Manager Automotive job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,202 per year, or $40.5 per hour.
Indirect Purchasing Manager- Auburn Hills

Indirect Purchasing Manager- Auburn Hills

Nexteer Automotive Corporation

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Nexteer Automotive rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

373rd of 433 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Position: Indirect Purchasing Manager
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 our 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 Indirect Purchasing Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for all non-production (indirect) goods and services. This role leads category management, drives cost optimization initiatives, manages supplier relationships, ensures compliance with corporate policies, and partners cross-functionally to deliver measurable value, mitigate risk, and support business objectives.
This role will report directly to the US Executive Director of Purchasing and have a dotted line reporting structure to Nexteer's Global Indirect Commodity Purchasing Director.
Key Responsibilities
As an Indirect Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible to:
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
  • Develop and implement sourcing strategies across assigned indirect commodities (e.g., IT, Facilities, Machinery & Equipment, Logistics, Outside Services, MRO, Engineering and Corporate Expenditures).
  • Oversee and conduct market research, benchmark pricing, and evaluate emerging trends to inform category strategies.
  • Build multi-year category roadmaps that align with organizational goals and operational needs.

Spend Analysis & Cost Optimization
  • Analyze spend data to identify consolidation opportunities, inefficiencies, and cost-saving initiatives.
  • Use analytics tools to track spend patterns, supplier performance, and compliance.
  • Develop cost models, total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses, and savings forecasts.

Supplier Relationship Management
  • Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, capability, and risk profile.
  • Lead supplier business reviews, performance scorecards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Build strategic partnerships that enhance service levels, innovation, and long-term value.

Cost Savings & Value Delivery
  • Lead negotiations to secure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and measurable cost reductions.
  • Drive year-over-year savings targets through strategic sourcing, demand management, and process improvements.
  • Identify opportunities to optimize supplier portfolios and eliminate maverick spend.

Policy Adherence & Compliance
  • Ensure all purchasing activities comply with corporate policies, procedures, and governance standards.
  • Enforce contract compliance, ethical sourcing practices, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support internal audits and implement corrective actions where needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Finance, Legal, Operations, IT, HR, Facilities, Engineering, IT and other stakeholders to understand business requirements.
  • Influence decision-making and align teams on sourcing strategies, supplier selection, and contract terms.
  • Facilitate communication between internal teams and suppliers to ensure seamless execution.

Risk Management
  • Assess supplier risks related to financial stability, operational capability, cybersecurity, and compliance.
  • Develop mitigation plans, contingency strategies, and supplier diversification approaches.
  • Ensure contracts include appropriate Terms and Conditions protections for liability, data security, and business continuity.

Qualifications
  • 8+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management.
  • Strong negotiation skills and experience managing complex supplier relationships.
  • Proficiency in procurement systems (QAD, Intelex, BPM, Power BI etc.) and spend analytics tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver cost savings and manage multiple categories.
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project leadership skills.

Core Competencies
  • Strategic thinking
  • Analytical problem-solving
  • Negotiation & influence
  • Supplier management
  • Financial acumen
  • Risk mitigation
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Policy & compliance discipline

Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field (Master's preferred).

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 leader in advanced steering and motion control systems, enabling intuitive, safe, and comfortable mobility for drivers around the world. Our innovative product portfolio includes Electric Power Steering (EPS), Steer-by-Wire™, Driveline, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies that support electrification, software-defined vehicles, and autonomous driving.
With approximately 13,000 employees and operations in more than 20 manufacturing plants and multiple technical centers globally, Nexteer partners with nearly every major global and regional automotive manufacturer.
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.

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