Buyer

Buyer Location: Plymouth, MI Company: Optimal-EV Employment Type: Full-Time Start: Immediate / ASAP About Optimal-EV Optimal-EV is an innovative electric vehicle manufacturer focused on developing and producing next-generation electric shuttle buses and mobility solutions. We are seeking an experienced Buyer to join our team in Plymouth, Michigan and support our growing manufacturing and purchasing operations. Position Summary The Buyer will be responsible for purchasing a broad range of materials, components, parts, and services required to support Optimal-EV's manufacturing and engineering operations. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of purchasing experience in an automotive supplier, manufacturing, or small-to-mid-sized business environment. We are particularly interested in candidates who have broad purchasing experience and have been involved with multiple types of materials, components, suppliers, and purchasing activities. Experience with NetSuite is preferred but not required. Key Responsibilities Manage day-to-day purchasing activities for production, engineering, and operational requirements. Purchase a variety of materials, components, parts, and services needed to support manufacturing operations. Create and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate pricing, quantities, specifications, and delivery requirements. Identify and evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and capability. Request and evaluate supplier quotes and negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms. Communicate directly with suppliers regarding pricing, availability, delivery schedules, quality concerns, and other purchasing matters. Monitor open purchase orders and proactively address late or delayed deliveries. Work closely with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to understand material requirements, specifications, and timing. Review BOMs, part numbers, material requirements, and other purchasing information. Coordinate with suppliers to ensure materials are available when needed to support production schedules. Partner with Quality and suppliers to resolve material and supplier-related issues. Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, and purchase order data. Support supplier onboarding and maintain strong supplier relationships. Monitor material availability and help prevent production shortages. Identify opportunities for cost savings and improved purchasing efficiency. Support inventory and material planning activities. Assist with developing and maintaining supplier performance metrics. Ensure purchasing activities follow company policies and established processes. Take ownership of purchasing issues and drive them through resolution. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Operations, Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of purchasing, buying, procurement, or related experience. Experience working in an automotive supplier, manufacturing company, or small-to-mid-sized business environment. Strong understanding of purchasing processes, supplier management, purchase orders, pricing, lead times, and material requirements. Demonstrated experience managing multiple purchasing categories, suppliers, and components. Strong negotiation, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and take ownership of purchasing activities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong attention to detail and follow-through. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Preferred Qualifications Experience with NetSuite or another ERP/MRP system. Automotive manufacturing or automotive supplier experience. Experience purchasing a broad range of mechanical, electrical, fabricated, machined, or other manufacturing components. Experience working with engineering drawings, BOMs, part numbers, and material specifications. Experience with supplier cost negotiations and cos…

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