Purchasing Specialist

About the Role

Manages mass production part ordering and delivery through effective planning, communication, and supplier interface. Applies technical and problem-solving skills to prevent impact to operations and support achievement of department targets. Responsible for material procurement, production planning, inventory control, outsourcing, supplier process management, and countermeasure implementation. Identifies, researches, evaluates, and selects suppliers that meet defined standards of price, quality, and reliability of supply.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform accurate maintenance of process-related systems for suppliers and parts assigned to the buyer.
• Maintain, manage, and issue material releases within the ERP system to ensure sufficient inventory levels for warehouse packing operations and plant production.
• Establish and maintain communication networks with the supply base to promote positive relationships focused on delivery performance.
• Identify and escalate critical supplier issues to ensure appropriate allocation of resources in a timely manner.
• Develop communication networks, both external and internal, to ensure operational success and department awareness.
• Collaborate with departments and project leaders to support Mass Production department projects, meeting Key Performance Indicators (KPI) targets by mitigating risks of Downtime, GDP, and TRPU.
• Manage New Model and Mass Production design change activity through close collaboration with impacted suppliers to ensure quality and effective date implementation, minimizing production impact and cost to Honda.
• Maintain reporting and Gemba activity for root cause analysis and countermeasure implementation.
• Strive for continuous improvement through cycling Plan Do Check Action (PDCA) for areas of responsibility, including supplier ordering, design change control management, and Supplier Problem Management.
• Support company vision and Business Plan activity by leading/supporting in Marutoku theme activity and/or project initiatives within the core job function.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Knowledge of basic inventory management and manufacturing workflow.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work with limited direction.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex problems in a team-based work environment.
• Consistently identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Collect data and apply business knowledge to solve a range of problems.
• Effectively lead project themes.
• Effectively sell ideas, securing buy-in from individuals or teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Must be able to work overtime approximately 5-10 hours per week.
• Work in a fast-paced environment with demanding and critical deadlines.
• Traveling between Plant/Divisions or for special assignments.
• Must be able to work weekends and/or shift changes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent related experience.