Buyer Analyst - Project Purchasing

Role Summary

The Buyer Analyst is responsible from a commercial, readiness and reporting standpoint for his/her assigned new vehicle parts packages, beginning with the Forward Sourcing phase until three months after the start of production (SOP+3). The Project Buyer negotiates technical change costs (piece price, tooling, launch cost and timing) according to prevailing cost models, and ensures supplier readiness for non-heavy items in the pre-series builds and launch readiness at SOP. During the early phase of new projects, the Project Buyer will also complete Forward Sourcing activities as project workload and business needs dictate.

Role Responsibilities

General (30%):

• Responsible for assigned parts including managing the supplier relationship from supplier nomination through SOP +3
• Assure process consistency with VWGoA and relevant K-BN Group requirements
• Ensure timely and cost-compliant availability of parts for pre-series, SOP and other agreed events
• Standing member in SET and Fachgruppen meeting as responsible Purchasing representative
• Reviews Supplier Contract Documents against VW Terms & Conditions and initiates resolution of supplier clauses before nomination
• Timely and accurate maintenance of Purchasing systems and databases (TEVON, EBON etc.)
• Representation of Purchasing in internal meetings, presentations and Pilot Halls
• Assists in the training of new employees
• Manages more complex work packages and workload
• Responsible for the Supplier Nomination Process for all new parts for new and existing vehicle projects
• Performs other Purchasing tasks as required
• Resolution of Purchasing-related problems with other functions within VWGoA and VW Group companies, thorough purchasing processes and procedures
• Steers Alignment for Request for Quotations with Cross-functional Teams for input data and nomination timing

Commercial (50%):

• Negotiate, present and implement engineering changes (AEKO, KV-AEKO) for piece price and invest
• Evaluation, preparation and presentation of various business case scenarios
• Project Buyer is commercially responsible for piece price, tooling invest, launch cost and engineering changes from nomination to SOP+3 months for assigned parts
• Accurate and timely issuance of Purchasing contracts, amendments and kickoffs
• Responsible for B-Parts Purchasing/Forward Sourcing
• Requests and aligns financial targets with Controlling and Project Steering for each RFQ
• Drives Sourcing Decisions within agreed timeframe and escalates potential delays within the project
• Preparation of FS documents, packages and presentations per defined work split among Chattanooga Purchasing teams
• Tracking and reporting of each assigned part’s cost history until SOP+3 (piece price, invest, LTCs)
• Representation of assigned parts in the AEKO-Runde
• Responsible for organizing and leading Forward Sourcing kick-off meetings

Project Management (20%):

• Regular interfacing with Purchasing colleagues in Wolfsburg, Chattanooga and Puebla
• Evaluation, preparation and presentation of various business case scenarios
• Agreement, communication and tracking of deliverables from internal customers (R&D, Finance, K-BS)
• Proactive identification and resolution of problems related to assigned parts / suppliers
• Monitors Supplier Nomination Agreements and initiates measures in case of supplier rejections
• Lead commitment and kickoff meetings with suppliers to ensure alignment and adherence with project milestones
• Reporting of parts status during all milestones of the PEP process

Hybrid

Primary Location

United States-Tennessee-Chattanooga

Qualifications

Years of Experience:

• 3 - 5 years

Education

• MBA, i nternational studies or business experience - desired
• Bachelor’s Degree - required

Skills

• Persuasive and persistent
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently
• Dependable execution of recurring tasks
• Timely completion of processes
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Specialized Skills - Required

• Experience with manufacturing processes, tools and technologies
• Demonstrated negotiating experience: piece price, tooling and timing with external suppliers for assigned packages
• Effective communication with internal customers and with outside vendors/suppliers
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision
• Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, MS Outlook, and Excel
• Experience analyzing cost breakdowns, cost drivers, supplier offers
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple and changing priorities in a high-pressure environment

Specialized Skills - Desired

• Experience in handling multi-million dollar projects from a Procurement prospective
• Negotiation experience at an OEM or Tier 1
• German language skills
• Experienced user in VW Purchasing systems

Work Flexibility

• Travel: <20%

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.
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