Buyer

Compal

$70K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or engineering-related fields.
  • 2-5 years of purchasing or procurement experience, ideally in automotive.
  • Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
  • Knowledge of automotive standards such as APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949.
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings and collaborate with engineering teams.
  • Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools.
  • Experience with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

Responsibilities

  • Identify and evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, and delivery.
  • Negotiate pricing, contracts, and long-term supply agreements.
  • Develop sourcing strategies that align with company goals.
  • Manage supply risk and pursue cost optimization opportunities.
  • Monitor supplier performance using key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Lead reviews and discussions for cost improvement with suppliers.
  • Support compliance with automotive standards through audits.

Benefits

  • Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development.
  • Hybrid work model allowing flexibility between remote and on-site work.
  • Access to state-of-the-art tools and technologies.
  • Opportunity to contribute to impactful automotive projects.
Full Job Description
ABOUT THE ROLE

Compal is a leading innovator dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and delivering advanced solutions to our clients. We are seeking a Buyer that will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers for automotive components, materials, and services. This role ensures that procurement activities deliver competitive cost, quality, and delivery performance, while supporting product development, production ramp-up, and ongoing manufacturing programs. The Buyer collaborates closely with engineering, logistics, finance, quality, and supplier management teams to drive strategic purchasing decisions and support business goals.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on cost, capability, quality, and delivery criteria.
  • Negotiate pricing, contracts, delivery terms, and long-term supply agreements.
  • Develop sourcing strategies aligned with company goals and product roadmaps.
  • Manage supply base risk and evaluate opportunities for cost optimization.
  • Monitor supplier performance using KPIs (cost, quality, delivery, sustainability).
  • Lead supplier business reviews, cost improvement discussions, and corrective action plans.
  • Support supplier audits and ensure compliance with automotive standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ESG requirements).
  • Identify alternative suppliers and support localization initiatives when applicable.
  • Work closely with engineering to support new product development (NPD) and part qualification (APQP, PPAP).
  • Coordinate with quality teams on supplier issue resolution.
  • Support logistics with delivery planning and inventory strategies (JIT, Kanban, consignment).
  • Aligning with finance on cost forecasting and budget planning.
  • Drive cost reduction initiatives through benchmarking, should-cost analysis, and value engineering.
  • Prepare and manage purchase contracts, NDAs, RFQs, and purchase orders.
  • Track market trends (materials, semiconductors, raw metals, sensors, etc.) to anticipate pricing risks.


Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or a related field.
  • 2-5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain (preferably in automotive).
  • Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
  • Understanding of automotive standards (APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949).
  • Ability to read technical drawings/specifications and work with engineering teams.
  • Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, QAD, etc.) and Microsoft Office tools.
  • Experience working with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with diverse teams.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with sourcing for specific automotive domains (ADAS sensors, electronics, EV components, chassis, interiors, etc.).
  • Knowledge of global supply markets, logistics, and tariff implications.
  • Experience with cost analysis, should-cost modeling, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
  • Certification in supply chain or purchasing (CIPS, CPSM, CPIM).
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Analytical mindset with attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.


What We Offer:

  • A dynamic and collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
  • A hybrid work model that combines remote work with on-site collaboration and community, featuring also flexible working hours.
  • A competitive compensation package.
  • Access to state-of-the-art tools and technologies are available in a supportive and innovative work environment.
  • Opportunities to contribute to innovative projects and make a meaningful impact in the automotive industry.


If you're a motivated and innovative engineer looking to join a dynamic team, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and qualifications. We look forward to hearing from you!

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Compal

  • Buyer
    $70K — $95K *
    Goleta, CA 93117 (Santa Barbara County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Global IT Manager - Automotive (Sylux)
    $120K — $150K *
    Goleta, CA 93117 (Santa Barbara County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Buyer jobs: