Strategic Commodity Buyer (Electronics) - Auburn Hills

 

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