Automotive Buyer - SAP

As an Automotive Buyer - SAP at Goken America, your primary responsibilities include managing the entire purchasing lifecycle, from creating purchase orders to confirming vendor deliveries. You'll also need to resolve issues related to deliveries or quality, maintain relationships with suppliers, and assist with contract execution. Your ability to communicate effectively with both internal teams and external partners will be key to success in this role.

To qualify for the Automotive Buyer position at Goken America, candidates should have a BS degree in Business Administration or a related field along with 1 to 5+ years of procurement experience. Familiarity with CAD drawings and manufacturing processes is beneficial. Candidates with SAP experience and strong MS Office skills, especially in Excel and PowerPoint, will be given preference.

Goken America supports its Automotive Buyers through a robust benefits package, offering competitive compensation, paid time off, and relocation assistance when applicable. Additionally, we encourage professional growth by fostering an environment where team members can independently lead meetings, negotiate with suppliers, and develop their problem-solving skills.

In your role as an Automotive Buyer at Goken America, you will be working with a variety of suppliers that provide raw materials, equipment, components, tooling, and services specifically for automotive vehicle development. Building and managing relationships with both new and existing suppliers will be a crucial part of your responsibilities.

The work environment for an Automotive Buyer at Goken America is collaborative and dynamic. You'll be part of a small team but will operate independently, taking ownership of your purchasing responsibilities. The company culture emphasizes trust, communication, and professionalism, allowing you to thrive in your role while making valuable contributions to the team.

When negotiating with suppliers, I focus on building strong relationships while keeping the company's best interests in mind. I prepare by thoroughly researching market conditions, comparing pricing, and understanding the supplier’s capabilities. I believe that effective communication is essential, so I aim to foster open dialogue and ensure that both parties feel satisfied with the agreement.

Yes, I have significant experience in managing purchase orders. I ensure accurate tracking from creation to delivery, confirming order details with vendors, and addressing any issues that arise during the order process. Keeping organized records and utilizing procurement software has been essential in streamlining my workflow and ensuring timely deliveries.

To resolve delivery issues, I first maintain open communication with suppliers to understand the root cause of the delay. I also coordinate with internal teams to adjust schedules if necessary. If needed, I explore alternative suppliers while keeping the original vendor informed to encourage accountability. This proactive approach helps in finding solutions quickly.

In a fast-paced procurement environment, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact on the project timelines. I maintain a comprehensive task list, regularly reassess priorities, and ensure I allocate my time effectively. Utilizing project management tools helps me monitor deadlines and organize my tasks systematically.

I have hands-on experience with SAP, particularly in managing purchase orders and supplier data. Additionally, I am comfortable using various procurement software tools for tracking inventory, managing supplier relationships, and conducting bid analyses. I invest time in learning updated features to enhance my efficiency.

In a prior role, I dealt with a supplier who was consistently late with deliveries. I scheduled a meeting to discuss the challenges they were facing and collaboratively worked on a revised schedule to accommodate their needs while ensuring our project timelines remained intact. This open approach resolved the conflict and strengthened our relationship.

I ensure quality control by setting clear expectations with suppliers from the outset, including detailed specifications and regular feedback on delivered products. Keeping detailed records of supplier performance and conducting regular reviews helps maintain quality standards consistently.

Data analysis plays a crucial role in my procurement decisions by providing insights into supplier performance, cost trends, and inventory management. I rely on data to identify potential savings opportunities, evaluate supplier capabilities, and inform my negotiation strategies, enabling smart and informed choices.

Building relationships with suppliers starts with clear communication and mutual respect. I prioritize face-to-face meetings and regular check-ins to discuss performance and address any concerns, fostering trust and a collaborative partnership that adds value to both parties.

An effective Automotive Buyer should possess strong analytical skills, communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently while also being a team player. Furthermore, possessing negotiation skills, attention to detail, and expertise in procurement processes are vital to successfully navigating this role.