Summary: The Direct Category Buyer at Astemo plays a key role in managing supplier relationships and overseeing procurement strategies within assigned commodities. This role requires deep product knowledge and strong sourcing acumen to ensure suppliers meet company standards for quality, cost, and delivery, while also promoting continuous improvement and innovation. The ideal candidate will be proactive, analytical, and capable of influencing strategic decisions across a global supply base. Minimum

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field Minimum 5 years of experience in purchasing or a closely related field Willingness and ability to travel to suppliers and Astemo facilities as needed (domestic and international)

Preferred Qualifications

Procurement experience in the automotive industry Strong background in casting and rubber parts sourcing and strategy Working with SAP Bilingual fluency in English and Japanese is a plus Key

Responsibilities

Collect and analyze category, regional, and supplier-specific data Recommend strategic direction to the Global Category Manager based on market intelligence Propose and implement cost reduction, avoidance, and continuous improvement initiatives Contribute to annual budget planning and forecasting activities Lead negotiations with suppliers (pricing, payment terms, tooling, commercial terms, capacity, EOL, etc.) Formalize and manage supplier contracts Own sourcing decisions within assigned categories, aligning with global strategy and BU timelines Support Business Units during acquisition phases with cost estimates and “should-cost” analysis via the Cost Engineering team Ensure implementation of global/regional category strategies Assist in Value Engineering/Cost (VEC) initiatives and supplier negotiations Report KPIs by supplier and part number Develop and manage relationships with regional and local suppliers Monitor and track supplier performance and ensure compliance Adjust negotiation strategies based on supplier conditions and market dynamics Support issue resolution and supplier escalations in collaboration with Business Units and regional teams Required

Skills and Abilities

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision Strong written and verbal communication skills Proven negotiation and contract management skills Results-oriented with a demonstrated ability to implement strategic initiatives Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build relationships across teams Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) Effective time management, organization, and problem-solving abilities Supervisory

Responsibilities

This role does not include direct supervision of staff

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based (hybrid schedule), with regular interaction in factory environments Occasional exposure to noise typical of manufacturing settings Domestic and international travel required, depending on supplier and business needs Physical & Mental

Requirements

Ability to sit for extended periods Visual acuity to work accurately with data, documents, and computer monitors If you’re ready to play a strategic role in shaping Astemo’s global supply chain while driving value and innovation—Own the Future and apply today We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 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 am-jobs@hitachiastemo.com when applying for the position. At Astemo, innovation drives our passion for excellence. As a global leader in the mobility sector, we are dedicated to shaping the future through advanced technology, sustainable practices and a commitment to empowering our diverse team of talented individuals. We believe that our greatest asset is our people. With a rich legacy of pioneering breakthroughs and forward-thinking mindset, we continuously seek exceptional individuals who share our vision and ambition to redefine the mobility industry. As you explore our website, we invite you to discover exciting career opportunities across various disciplines and regions. Whether you are an experienced professional or new graduate, there is a place for you to thrive and make a meaningful impact within our dynamic global community. Join us in driving innovation, shaping the future and unlocking new possibilities in the mobility industry. Your journey begins here at Astemo. For Data Privacy queries or technical support, please email us.