The posting
Job Title: Project Purchasing Site Lead (AACT/AAC)
Company: AISIN World Corp. of America
Department: Purchasing, Project Purchasing
Location: Clinton, TN (AACT)
Position Responsibilities
The incumbent is expected to perform the following functions that the company has determined are essential to this position:
Purchasing functions for the following areas:
- Management of purchasing members in a location, including members that are assigned as part of AISIN’s virtual organization. In many cases, these members are not direct reports, so management will include location sign-offs as appropriate, coordination with direct management of those staff, discussing and reporting any staff issues, attendance issues, etc. with direct management.
- Lead purchasing communication to NAP. Report of results from Commodity groups. Monthly PPV results Activity to achieve targets Report activity and results for Project Purchasing groups. Project Purchasing timeline, issues and support needs. Status of projects and communication with NAP PC or related functions. Coordination of activity for SPTT group with plant groups. Gain support and consensus of work with each function as appropriate. Deal with Daily Issues and lead members for Administrative work or PDI members (if applicable) specific to the NAP. Ensure needs of NAP are communicated and coordinated to appropriate Purchasing groups. Set up meetings with appropriate NAP and Purchasing members to resolve issues.
- In conjunction with staff located in multiple locations and companies, manage procurement of component products for AISIN North America locations. These activities include: Support for Commodity Purchasing teams to: Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, confidentiality agreements, master purchase agreements, changes in process, terms, engineering requirements, and other items as required with suppliers. Detailed quotation analysis and negotiation for all cost drivers. Support the launch of new programs, including tracking prototype / trial materials. Evaluate new supplier performance and information. Approve requisitions and monitor invoicing for variances and suppliers for performance. Prepare materials as appropriate to gain approval of price changes, asset purchases and sourcing plan at each location.
- Responsible for preparing annual budget plans (including purchases, manpower, expenses, etc.), working with management and Commodity Purchasing to finalize total budget plan for the Commodity group.
- Train, educate, and enforce standard processes in conjunction with AWA systems and processes and NAP needs for all procurement subordinate team members (including strategy, negotiation tactics, processes, policies, etc.).
- Lead IATF and other audits, gathering appropriate documents or members to support Audit requirements.
- Lead activity to standardize IATF and other company procedures across locations. Develop forms, processes, and systems as needed, Execute communized purchasing activities with suppliers and potential suppliers and plant, Track and follow supplier performance and any cost recovery issues.
- Lead activity to make changes, gather acceptance of changes in purchasing procedures, reports, etc. as needed based on changes in purchasing, company direction, and market requirements.
- Manage admin staff to ensure PO's are written and updated as needed. Gather approvals in plant as required. Discuss any issues with Commodity Purchasing teams. Support plant and other purchasing groups with tracking and ordering of prototype, trial and other purchases. Approve PO's Ensure suppliers are set up correctly and accurately and all procedures are followed.
- Lead the procurement team (and support of other teams as appropriate) for cost reduction activities related to NAP needs.
- Manage team members to coordinate and analyze total volume usage, forecasts, and total material buy.
- Manage related processes as appropriate for quotations, Letters of Intent, Feasibility Studies, Engineering Changes, capacity investigations, etc.
- Lead and support analysis of various inputs and conditions from cross-functional departments to find cost savings opportunities.
- In conjunction with Project Purchasing members and SPTT: Assess prospective suppliers for new model programs and localization activities Support development of component purchase strategies Support supplier identification for new business and review their capabilities per engineering requirements
- Prepare reports and presentations as necessary.
- Act as Supplier champion to AISIN and voice of AISIN to supplier.
- Resolve and manage daily supplier issues and plant investigation needs.
Management
- Supervise activities and delegate activity, as appropriate, to direct members and related group members, to achieve desired results.
- Evaluate and develop team members.
- Develop effective plans and strategies for yourself and staff to manage daily activities effectively with established budget constraints.
- This function may be conducted under the direction from and through close communication with not only N.A. Management but also several other group companies globally.
- Maintain ongoing communication and performance feedback with staff throughout the year.
- Supervise, educate, and support staff members in achievement of short and long-term goals, including staff development.
- Evaluate current business systems or procedures, as necessary, and suggest improvements for the benefit of AISIN.
- Support business activities to improve team and system performance, as appropriate.
- Manage relationships between plant and purchasing for effective communication and gain cooperation between groups as needed.
- Support development of intelligence activities regarding the competitor and supplier information including, but not limited to, new products, product and process improvement, VA / VE, profit improvement, cost reduction, etc.
- Report major, weekly, and monthly activities to Management.
- Operate with "cross-functional" approach and, accordingly, accept / assume new responsibilities as dictated by business environment.
- Function as a keyperson to manage staff, compile / summarize / analyze and communicate necessary data and develop summary and status documents / materials.
- Support development of cost estimations for engineering analysis, business opportunities and other needs as directed.
- Attend and support regular purchasing meetings with various plants in order to closely communicate, identify, and meet expectations of purchasing team, management, and manufacturing plants.
- Support / maintain / improve group morale and motivation.
- Establish and control documented activity plans.
- Develop and execute short-term and long-term plans with other purchasing groups, engineering, and other teams.
- Gain agreement and ensure match of purchasing budget to NAP budget and confirm results vs plan monthly (PPV Analysis).
- Report results monthly.
- Report activity and results to NAP management from other purchasing groups activities.
- Other tasks and duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Abilities
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Demonstrated experience and accomplishments in each of the areas described above.
- Experience in manufacturing and technical environment.
- Experience in component purchasing with understanding of manufacturing processes and costs associated with those processes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organization and time management skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
- Ability to demonstrate patience and verify facts.
- Demonstrated ability to persevere and complete difficult tasks.
- Strong Computer Skills – Especially in Excel.
- Understanding of contract standards.
Beneficial Skills and Experience
- Experience in automotive industry with understanding of standard job functions and requirements within the industry.
- Experience in multi-cultural environment, preferably Japanese-based.
- Fluency in English with additional language skill in Japanese, Chinese, German, and/or Spanish.
Education/Training/Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, other Applied Science, or Purchasing supply chain management is preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Business or other non-technical area is acceptable based on proven technical skill.
- Internal candidates with significant AISIN experience will be consider without degree.
Travel Requirements
- Approximately 10 %.
- Must be willing and available to travel to such locations and with such frequency as is necessary and desirable to meet business needs.
Work Environment Requirements
With reasonable accommodation:
- Must be able to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other office equipment.
- Must perform job duties onsite, when necessary, except those duties that are customarily or by their nature performed offsite (for example, offsite customer visits).
- Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to work on multiple assignments at once, and complete assignments within deadline and budget (if applicable) with satisfactory quality.
- Must be able to operate as an effective team member.
- Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all company safety policies.
Attendance/Work Hour Requirements
- Must maintain an acceptable attendance record.
- Must be willing and available to work weekends and holidays as necessary and desirable to meet business needs.
