Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field
3+ years of experience in purchasing or related fields
Experience with supplier analysis and evaluation
Familiarity with RFQs, bidding processes, and negotiation activities
Knowledge of APQP and purchasing project management methods
Solid understanding of negotiation techniques and business communication
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP or similar ERP systems
Responsibilities
Manage purchasing prices for commodities and supplier groups
Support cost-saving initiatives through reviews and benchmarking
Lead sourcing negotiations for assigned suppliers
Identify optimal suppliers using industry-standard techniques
Conduct global competitive sourcing and benchmarking activities
Perform market research to aid in cost management
Manage supply base focusing on quality and delivery performance
Benefits
Collaborative team environment
Annual Incentive Plan
Paid vacation
401k plan
Health care benefits
Paid holidays
Strong diversity culture
Community outreach opportunities
Full Job Description
Req ID 86727 | Gbl Elec HQ - Farmington Hills, United States ZF Active Safety US Inc.
Commodity Buyer - Passives
About the Team: The Commodity Buyer role is responsible for managing supplier relationships, pricing, and sourcing strategies to achieve cost targets, drive savings, and ensure quality and delivery performance. The position supports global sourcing and negotiations, market analysis, and continuous improvement while maintaining accurate data and compliance within ERP systems.
What you can look forward to as Commodity Buyer:
Management of purchasing prices for assigned commodities and supplier groups, ensuring achievement of target costs in line with established sourcing processes
Support of cost saving initiatives through source reviews, bundling opportunities, and market benchmarking activities
Preparation and support of Commodity Management during contract and sourcing negotiations; lead role for assigned suppliers
Investigation and identification of optimal suppliers for materials in a timely manner, utilizing industry standard sourcing techniques, procedures, and planning methods while ensuring full compliance with ZF company policies
Lead global competitive sourcing and benchmarking activities
Market research and monitoring of trends to support cost controlling and total cost management initiatives
Management of the supply base with a focus on quality and delivery performance, utilizing defined escalation models
Maintenance of accurate pricing, contracts, and negotiation data within ERP systems (e.g., SAP)
Participation in continuous improvement initiatives and support of departmental objectives
Adherence to and promotion of ZF's commitment to quality, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and zero defects across all aspects of the role
Your Profile as Commodity Buyer:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field
Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in purchasing, such as commodity purchasing, technical purchasing, or purchasing project coordination
Experience with supplier analysis and evaluation, including quality, capacity, and cost considerations
Exposure to supplier RFQs, bidding processes, and negotiation activities
Knowledge of APQP and/or purchasing project management tools and methods
Solid understanding of purchasing tools, negotiation techniques, and professional business communication
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)
Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and sound numerical capabilities
Well organized working style with effective time and task management skills
Experience working with SAP or similar ERP systems
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
What We Offer:
A supportive collaborative team environment
Annual Incentive Plan
Paid Vacation
401k Plan
Health Care Benefits
Paid Holidays
A strong diversity culture
Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities
ZF Divisional Information
This position is part of ZF's ADAS & HPC business, which is entering an exciting new phase of growth and transformation within the advanced automotive technology space. The business unit is planned for divestiture, creating a unique opportunity to help shape the future of next-generation driver assistance and high-performance computing technologies.
Be part of our ZF team as Commodity Buyer - Passives and apply now!
Contact
Bethany Vijayakumar
About Zf Friedrichshafen Ag
ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a German car parts maker headquartered in Friedrichshafen, in the south-west German region of Baden-Württemberg. Specialising in driveline and chassis technology as well as active and passive safety technology, the company has a global workforce of around 160,000 with approximately 260 locations in 41 countries. In 2019, ZF achieved sales of ?36.5 billion. ZF is one of the world's largest automotive suppliers and a leading technology company for mobility.
