BuyerThe Buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing, cost management, and lifecycle procurement of uniquely engineered components designed specifically for company products. This role operates in a highly technical, new-model-driven environment and requires the ability to interpret engineering drawings, understand manufacturing processes and raw material markets, and validate supplier pricing through detailed cost analysis. The Buyer leads supplier selection, contract negotiation, new product development support, and cost reduction initiatives while ensuring quality, delivery, cost, and risk objectives are achieved. This position plays a critical role in supporting new model launches, Start of Production (SOP) timing, and long-term cost competitiveness.
Responsibilities: Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Selection:
- Analyze engineering drawings, technical specifications, and material requirements to develop sourcing strategies.
- Identify, evaluate, and qualify capable suppliers for uniquely engineered components.
- Solicit and evaluate RFQs; perform commercial and technical bid analysis.
- Conduct detailed cost breakdown analysis to validate supplier pricing (materials, labor, overhead, tooling, logistics).Assess global vs. domestic sourcing options, including tariffs, logistics costs, currency impacts, and total landed cost.
- Lead commercial negotiations including pricing, tooling investment, payment terms, and supply agreements.
- Establish and manage long-term supply contracts.
- New Model & Project Management:
- Support new product development programs from concept through SOP.Lead supplier activities to ensure tooling design, fabrication, validation, and PPAP completion meet project milestones.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Production Control, and Manufacturing to ensure timely part readiness.
- Monitor supplier readiness and mitigate risks that could impact prototype builds, pilot production, and mass production.
- Drive adherence to launch timing and budget targets.
- Cost Management & Cost Reduction:
- Perform detailed cost analysis for new and existing components to ensure competitive pricing.
- Develop, lead, and implement Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives.
- Identify cost-down opportunities through design changes, process improvements, material substitutions, and resourcing.
- Champion annual cost reduction targets and support budget achievement.
- Benchmark suppliers and manufacturing processes to maintain competitive advantage.
- Supplier Relationship & Performance Management:
- Manage assigned supplier base to achieve quality, delivery, cost, and service objectives.
- Conduct regular business reviews and performance evaluations.
- Lead commercial resolution of issues including invoicing discrepancies, obsolete inventory, and commercial disputes.
- Oversee tooling ownership, disposition of obsolete tooling, and capital investment tracking.
- Manage supplier-requested engineering or process changes in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
- Support risk management activities including dual sourcing, financial risk assessment, and supply continuity planning.
- Compliance & Governance:
- Ensure adherence to company purchasing policies, purchasing law, and contractual standards.
- Maintain proper documentation for sourcing decisions and cost analysis.
- Support audit and compliance requirements as needed.
Qualifications
Other Required Skills:
Preferred Skills: Purchasing certification preferred. Cost/value analysis training is helpful
Education/Experience:
5+ years of purchasing for a high production manufacturing operation without degree. 1-3 years with Business Administration or Supply Chain Management degree.
Work Environment/Requirements:
Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
