Job Title:
Commodity Buyer
Company: Hilite International
Location: Whitehall, MI
Created: 2026-03-10
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Job Title Accountabilities / Responsibilities: Purchase Direct Material and/or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets for Engine, Transmission, and Driveline assemblies. Support the purchasing function and other relevant departments and communicate any supply problems which may impact on business operations. Act as an interface between suppliers and other relevant departments on purchasing processes and new projects and activities. Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organization. Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers. Provide analysis on costs, new and existing and review cost reduction activities. Prepare reports and updates as and when required. Work closely with others in the procurement function and review opportunities for continuous improvement and business improvements. Adhere to any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of self, staff and visitors. Negotiate contracts, improve prices and terms of business with suppliers and review opportunities to make business savings utilizing negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods. Prepare and raise purchase orders and order schedules. Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships and keep up good communications. Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships. Ensure compliance to company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures during supplier negotiations and contracts award process. Conduct research for new components and suppliers. Compile data relating to supplier performance to enable evaluation. Assess and evaluate suppliers and contribute to performance reviews to ensure contract compliance. Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery or invoice issues. Required Knowledge and Experience: Minimum bachelor's degree in a related field. 3+ years of buyer's experience as a Direct Material/Components Buyer in Automotive. Knowledge of one or more of the following commodities: Stampings, Plastic Parts, Turnings, PCBA, and/or Powdered Metals. Electronics/PCBA highly desired. Driven by innate work ethic, a desire to succeed, and attention to detail & accuracy. Is self-aware and optimistic. Shows moral courage, openness, and honesty in all dealings. An understanding of automotive processes and knowledge of purchasing, negotiation, commercial understanding, and cost breakdowns. Highest regard for professionalism and corporate compliance. Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken with all supplier relationships. Commercial and financial awareness with a full understanding of how failure affects the production, manufacturing, and customer fulfillment process. Able to build and maintain effective and productive relationships with staff, stakeholders, and suppliers. Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication (oral & written) skills. Must be able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to work cross-functionally and manage time effectively. Computer literate with advanced Excel skills/abilities. Knowledge of MFG Pro (QAD) or similar enterprise software (SAP, etc.)