Purchasing Program Management Specialist

Position Summary: Leads procurement activities for assigned xEV programs from sourcing through production launch. Responsible for achieving purchased material cost, supplier readiness, timing, and supply continuity objectives. Acts as the primary interface between the Business Unit and Purchasing Department ensuring successful program execution and achievement of commercial targets.

Minimum Requirements (Education, Experience, and Skills)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Supply Chain Management, or a bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience in Procurement or Project Management.
• 5+ years of purchasing, sourcing, program management, supply chain, or engineering experience.
• Ability to analyze BOM cost, piece price changes, tooling investments, and program profitability.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams within a manufacturing/business environment.
• Strong project management and risk management skills.
• The candidate will need to travel to suppliers and/or Astemo locations as required. Some international travel may also be required.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, and Skills)

• Fluent in English/Japanese
• 5 years prior experience in Automotive Program Management
• Procurement, Design, or Engineering experience in EV Motor, Inverter, or Drive Unit manufacturing.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with Purchasing team, Business Unit, and suppliers to achieve program objectives
• Supports the Business Unit to assure program launch readiness for purchased parts and meeting purchase parts cost objectives.
• Within the scope of this position, manage and track open issues. Drive open issues to closure through tracking, delegation, and escalation.
• Work with Design Engineering and Cost Engineering to develop BOM price targets to support Sales in New Business Acquisition.
• Develop and execute recovery plans when cost targets are at risk.
• Track and Report cost reduction proposals to improve financial performance of program; including cost reduction (VEC) for purchased component parts.
• Plan program activities and develop master timing schedules that meet program objectives.
• Lead the assigned program(s)’ activities for continuous future development, growth and improvement of the program, department, and company.
• Develop program status reports for purchased parts and report status to management.
• Lead the coordination of technical reviews, with suppliers, Category Purchasing, Supplier Quality and Design Engineering.
• Ensure supplier launch readiness of PPAP timing and material cost meets program commitments.
• Manage internal project approval and cost details, technical for purchased components.
• Support cross functional teams and follow up on supply related issues.

Skills and Abilities

• Strategic Sourcing
• Cost Analysis and Cost Reduction Methodologies
• Supply Chain Risk Management
• Excellent analytical and communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Project; Advanced in Excel
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction
• Well organized, detail oriented

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Will not supervise associates

Essential to Job Functions – Physical and/or Mental Restrictions

• Ability to work for long periods of time while sitting
• Visual Ability to work accurately with detailed information and a computer screen

Work Environment – Travel, Noise, Smells, Quiet, Indoors or Outdoors, etc.

• Factory Setting with Noise

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) – Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity, disability, protected veteran status and national origin.

At Astemo, we’re challenging the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. Our goal is to build an inclusive work environment that celebrates the differences of our employees. We want to ensure that every employee feels valued, respected and empowered. We don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Astemo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at Astemo, please send the nature of the request and contact information to [email hidden] when applying for the position.