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SMP Automotive Global · 5 months ago

Regional Purchasing Manager - Indirect Materials

Cottondale, AL, US

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

SMP Automotive Global is a member of the Motherson Group, one of the largest automotive suppliers worldwide. They are seeking a Regional Purchasing Manager - Indirect Materials to strategically manage the procurement of indirect materials and services, ensuring cost efficiency and supplier performance.

AutomotiveManufacturing

Responsibilities

Develop and execute sourcing strategies for indirect commodities aligned with automotive production needs and global procurement policies

Coordinate cross-functional teams in supplier selection, contract negotiations, and implementation of cost-saving initiatives

Monitor and manage supplier performance, ensuring compliance with quality, delivery, and service standards

Collaborate with plant operations, engineering, maintenance, and IT departments to forecast demand and optimize procurement planning

Market analysis and benchmarking, completing bid comparisons, and coordination for order processing

Selection of high-quality suppliers to develop long term strategic partnerships to reduce the number of suppliers in the existing base

Follow established procurement process and identify opportunities to improve supply base and overall budgeted operational costs

Identify synergy potentials within the region including other Motherson divisions

Preparation of purchasing strategies after consultation with specialist departments

Lead negotiations of supplier contracts and agreements

Identify and mitigate supplier risks to Operations

Preparation/completion of the necessary contract documents

Awarding contracts, in accordance with existing corporate policies

Data mining and ad hoc analysis to support strong development of supplier strategies

Development and maintenance of supplier relationships

Processing of complaints from escalation level

Initiation and monitoring of supplier development measures and performance

Commitment to achieving the savings targets and responsible for the corresponding continuous improvement programs in the context of purchasing goals

Lead meetings (internal/external) to obtain required information to drive and track status of projects to support cost improvement and plant efficiencies

Complete other duties as assigned

Qualification

Indirect procurementSupplier negotiationERP systems (SAP)Cost-reduction initiativesAutomotive industry standardsSupplier developmentProfessional certificationsAccountabilityInnovationRespectEnglish language skillsTeamworkIntegrity

Required

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's or MBA preferred)

5–7 years of experience in indirect procurement within the automotive or manufacturing industry

Familiarity with automotive industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 14001)

Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, or Lean Six Sigma are advantageous

Deep understanding of indirect categories relevant to automotive operations: MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations), tooling, facility services, IT hardware/software, logistics services, and capital equipment

Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred) and e-sourcing tools

Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier development skills

Ability to analyze total cost of ownership (TCO) and drive cost-reduction initiatives

Knowledge of sustainability practices and supplier diversity programs in the automotive supply chain

English language skills