Category Buyer
On-siteTianjin, Tianjin, China
Job Summary
Lead sourcing and procurement activities for Air Systems commodities, including turbochargers and related components. Develop and execute category strategies to achieve cost, quality, delivery, and supply continuity objectives. Manage supplier relationships, drive performance improvements, and lead commercial negotiations and contract management. Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Logistics teams to support NPI and business needs while monitoring market trends and supply chain risks. Resolve supplier-related quality, delivery, and capacity issues to ensure compliance with company policies. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field, with proven experience in supplier relationship management and commercial negotiations. Proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office is essential, along with strong analytical and cross-functional collaboration skills. Travel is required 20%-40%, and flexibility for evening meetings may be needed to support global stakeholders across multiple time zones.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field
- Proven experience in supplier relationship management and commercial negotiations
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Experience working in a cross-functional manufacturing environment
- Proficiency with ERP systems (such as SAP) and Microsoft Office applications
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Chinese
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Results-oriented with the ability to drive execution in a fast-paced environment
- Travel request 20%-40%
- Flexibility to participate in evening meetings
Desired Qualifications
- Strong ownership and accountability with a proactive approach to problem solving
- Resilience and perseverance when navigating supply chain challenges, negotiations, and changing business priorities
- Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across global and cross-functional teams
- High integrity and strong ethical standards
- Results-oriented mindset with a continuous improvement focus
- Adaptability and the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Growth mindset with a passion for learning new technologies, industry trends, and business models while continuously developing professional capabilities
- Strong business acumen and strategic thinking skills
- Experience sourcing engine components, air systems, turbochargers, powertrain components, or precision-machined parts
- Knowledge of turbocharger technologies, air management systems, and related manufacturing processes
- Experience managing suppliers across China and the Asia-Pacific region
- Strong understanding of cost modeling, Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE), and cost optimization methodologies
- Experience leading supplier performance improvement and supplier development initiatives
- Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent
- Experience supporting sourcing activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) programs
- Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, and supplier quality management systems
- Experience working in a multinational or global procurement environment
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.