Parts Development Powertrain Transmission Buyer Specialist

Parts Development Powertrain Transmission Buyer Specialist

Ellabell, GA (onsite) Perm Role

Role supports program sourcing, supplier selection, development, cost management, and successful production launch activities.

• Support program sourcing and key launch milestones.
• Identify suppliers, analyze capabilities, determine pricing, and assist cross‑functional supplier selection.
• Prepare and manage RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs for multi‑year production volumes.
• Create bid packages, conduct bidder conferences, evaluate proposals, negotiate terms, and administer contracts.
• Negotiate long‑term agreements and maintain competitive pricing; lead cost‑reduction activities.
• Develop and manage assigned commodities with sourced suppliers, ensuring specifications and timing requirements are met.
• Evaluate final supplier selections using cost models, core competencies, and competitiveness.
• Direct suppliers through the Parts Development process from development to production.
• Ensure quality targets at each milestone; establish improvement plans or countermeasures for issues affecting quality or delivery.
• Support successful supplier‑site launches, including ISIR/PPAP activities; proactively address cost, quality, and delivery issues.
• Hold working‑level supplier meetings for issue resolution and relationship development.
• Continuously negotiate piece price and tooling to meet vehicle cost targets.
• Develop purchasing strategies with Engineering, Quality, Production, and other teams.
• Monitor and support the supply chain to prevent disruptions.
• Collaborate with Engineering (R&D), Quality, and Production Planners; organize and share production and supplier information.
• Maintain updated supply base databases and perform other assigned duties.
• Domestic and international travel required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Preferred: 2+ years of related experience; automotive purchasing, APQP/PPAP, supplier development/engineering, launch, or program management experience.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stamping, press, die casting, welding, assembly, paint, chroming, foaming, cut & sew, SMC, extrusion, SMT, raw materials; engine and transmission experience preferred.
• OEM or major commodity supplier experience preferred.
• Experience analyzing and breaking down piece price.
• Bilingual (English/Korean/Spanish) preferred.
• Comfortable in multicultural environments; adaptable to change; flexible to work weekends, holidays, or off‑shifts.