YOUR ROLE As Senior Buyer you will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing and procurement strategies for wire harness commodities and related electrical distribution system components, ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials, components, equipment, and services required to support business operations.
This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates contracts, monitors supplier performance, and drives continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, quality, delivery, and risk mitigation. The Senior Buyer serves as a key liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders, supporting operational, VAVE and strategic purchasing objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Manage end-to-end procurement activities for assigned commodities, materials, and services.
- Develop and maintain commodity strategies and sourcing roadmaps aligned with long-term business objectives, customer requirements, operational needs, and cost competitiveness.
- Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to support business growth, supply continuity, and competitive sourcing initiatives.
- Conduct requests for quotation (RFQs), bid analysis, and supplier selection nomination processes.
- Analyze market trends, pricing conditions, and supply risks to optimize purchasing decisions.
- Conduct should-cost analysis, benchmark studies, and market assessments to support sourcing decisions, business transfer, and commercial negotiations.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to capacity, financial stability, geopolitical events, raw material availability, and logistics constraints.
- Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Support new product development, launch activities, and business transfer initiatives by ensuring supplier readiness, capacity planning, risk mitigation, timing execution, and achievement of cost, quality, and delivery targets.
- Monitor supplier performance through key metrics including quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, launch readiness, and service.
- Lead supplier business reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Resolve supplier-related issues impacting production, quality, cost, program launches, or customer commitments.
- Lead pricing negotiations, contract negotiations, and commercial discussions.
- Drive cost reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing, value engineering, process improvements, and supplier collaboration.
- Assess supplier capacity, capability, and operational readiness to support current production, new program launches, and future business growth.
- Analyze total cost of ownership and identify opportunities for procurement optimization.
- Deliver assigned annual productivity, cost savings, cost avoidance, and working capital improvement targets while supporting annual budgeting activities.
- Manage sourcing activities for wire harness assemblies and related electrical distribution system commodities, including wire and cable, terminals, connectors, seals, protective coverings, fastening systems, busbars, and electromechanical components.
QUALIFICATIONS- Must have Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
- Minimum 3-5 years of purchasing, sourcing, commodity management, or supply chain experience, preferably within the automotive industry.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Experience managing contracts and commercial agreements.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar).
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, complex formulas, data analysis, reporting tools, and experience utilizing macro-enabled spreadsheets.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with the capability to analyze and manage large volumes of data and information while ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
- Experience with cost modeling, should-cost analysis, cost breakdowns, and productivity initiatives.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Program Management, and Finance teams.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, suppliers, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure manufacturing or operational environment while maintaining sound judgment and decision-making.
- Experience supporting new product development, supplier sourcing, and product launch activities within a manufacturing, automotive, electronics, aerospace, or industrial environment.
- Knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies and supplier development.
- Experience sourcing wire harnesses, terminals, connectors, wire and cable, overmolded assemblies, PCBAs, electrical components, and electromechanical products preferred.
- Knowledge of automotive product launch processes and supplier quality requirements, including APQP, PPAP, and change management processes.
- Local residents only, with the ability to work onsite in Troy, MI.
- Must be legally able to work in the United States without requirement of any type of visa sponsorship or transfer now, or at any time in the future.
WHY JOIN US?- Grow with purpose. We invest in our people by creating opportunities to build skills, take on new challenges, and develop over time.
- Do work that shows up in the real world. What you contribute here powers systems that are critical to how industries operate and evolve. The impact is visible and lasting.
- Succeed with the right support. We provide the tools, resources, and environment needed to perform at a high level and sustain that success.
YOUR BENEFITS AT VERSIGENT:- Private health care effective day 1 of employment
- Life and accident insurance
- Paid Time Off (Holidays, Vacation, Designated time off, Parental leave)
- Relocation assistance may be available
- Learning and development opportunities
- Discount programs with various manufacturers and retailers
- Recognition for innovation and excellence
- Opportunities to give back to the community
APPLY TODAY!If you are looking for a role where you can grow, contribute, and see the direct impact of your work, we encourage you to apply and be part of what Versigent is building next.
Versigent spun out of Aptiv on April 1, 2026. As part of ongoing spin-off activities and IT separation, some documentation may still reference Aptiv, Cyprium, or Versigent. All references should be understood to mean Versigent.
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