Initial Order Buyer (Hybrid - Warren, MI)

A partner of The Mom Project in the automotive industry is seeking a contract Initial Order Buyer to help support their business needs.

A successful Initial Order Buyer is one who is responsible for contracting initial order contracts for service and is customer (stakeholder) focused, influences change, naturally accepts ownership and accountability for accomplishing program launch deliverables, explores opportunities to add value to job responsibilities with a continued focus on achieving operational objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Lead supplier communications to resolve issues related to packaging quotes, minimum order quantities, and other sourcing challenges
• Manage end-to-end RFQ processes, negotiate packaging pricing, and initiate order contracts aligned with launch milestones
• Work independently, making decisions based on established guidelines, procedures, and metrics
• Respond to internal inquiries related to vendor selection, pricing, and availability of materials
• Maintain accurate records of negotiated pricing and contract terms
• Drive the adoption of streamlined and simplified processes across purchasing activities
• Foster collaboration across departments to ensure successful sourcing and implementation
• Review and document necessary part changes to ensure alignment with design modifications and service requirements
• Analyze and verify engineering change requests to authorize part cancellations, replacements, or updates
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, and broader Procurement teams to align on launch and volume requirements
• Assess shipping logistics and service plans to determine distribution strategies (direct ship vs. warehoused)
• Engage with suppliers to ensure packaging aligns with volume forecasts and engineering specifications
• Confirm contract readiness and shipping capabilities to meet production launch timelines
• Utilize purchasing and supplier systems to track contract status, issue agreements, and update shipping and inventory data
• Archive quotes and negotiation details to ensure audit readiness and compliance

Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience developing contracts or sourcing agreements
• Comfortable working in cross-functional and global team settings
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (intermediate level)
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Familiarity with purchasing systems and contract management tools
• Knowledge of commodities, packaging materials, or supply chain operations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for meetings, presentations, and documentation
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and workloads effectively
• Relationship and vendor management
• Collaborative approach in cross-cultural and cross-functional environments

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience)
• Experience in managing sourcing projects within a manufacturing or automotive environment is a plus

Hours and Location:

• Monday - Friday, 40 hours/week
• Hybrid - Tues/Wed/Thursday onsite, Mon/Fri remote (unless deemed necessary to be onsite)

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.