Commodity Buyer - Steel and Metals

Role Summary: Drive VW Group Global strategy and initiatives for NAR Region Support team to establish achieve an annual business plan to optimize the material cost of assigned parts. Responsible for production parts sourcing for Volkswagen Group of America. Support the teams development and implementation of localization and hidden cost strategies as well as your own. Role Responsibilities: Business Plan (50%) Lead Business on-top cost reduction activities within their Commodity Teach new Buyers Best Practices Negotiation Skills Achieve annual business plan savings commitments as defined by Commodity Manager. Negotiate annual material cost savings with assigned suppliers and material groups and report on a monthly basis. Analyze localization and deep localization rate of assigned parts. Develop and implement strategies to increase localization and deep localization rate. Benchmark competitor products and specifications for cost optimization. Participate in cost reduction workshops to identify alternative materials, manufacturing processes, etc. Forward Sourcing (35%) Lead the overall strategy in the region to develop Forward Sourcing Strategy for their assigned Material Groups Leverage current business with future business through Global Sourcing Implement regional and global material group strategies. Coordinate as necessary with counterparts within the VW Group. Create sourcing presentations with recommendations which contain supporting (e.g. Benchmark data) Develop and implement localization and hidden cost strategies. Establish and maintain supplier strategy which support regional and global material group strategies. Utilize product knowledge and expertise to evaluate optimal material cost of future vehicle programs. Secure Production Parts (15%) Travel to suppliers as long as needed to monitor an part shortage situation Teach new Buyers how to handle part shortage situations Responsible for crisis management of unforeseen supply chain disruptions. Proactively evaluate suppliers to identify potential risk Evaluate and negotiate Engineering Change Requests with suppliers to achieve optimum piece price, investment and timing. Years of Experience: 5+ years of professional experience Education - Required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business or other relevant field of study required Education - Desired: MBA degree Degree in Supply Chain Management or Logistics Skills: Analytical and conceptual thinking using logic and reason Problem solving specifically high level topics Integration joining people, processes or systems High level knowledge of VW Systems (EBON, Tevon, AIP, AVON, etc) Resource management and prioritization Displays professional integrity Demonstrates commitment to self-improvement Computer savvy skilled in the use of software Experience of success in conflict resolution Specialized Skills - Required: Self-motivated with ability to work independently Ability to communicate and interact effectively at all levels within the organization and with outside vendors / suppliers Flexibility and professionalism in dealing with suppliers and internal customers Influencing and negotiation skills Strong verbal & written communication and presentation skills Ability to work effectively as a member of a team Proficient in MS Office programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc) Proven negotiation and problem solving skills Specialized Skills -Desired: Key subject matter expert on VW purchasing systems Analyze and monitor Global macro-economic, geo-political and unforeseen events A deep technical understanding of Automotive Purchasing A high level of technical understand for cost drivers in Purchased Parts Ability to network across cultures/languages Experienced in data-driven decision analysis Proficient knowledge of supply chain methods and metrics Work Flexibility: Willingness to Work evenings and weekends if necessary Travel domestically as well as internationally (Germany / Mexico) Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr