Purchasing Manager (Raw Material)

Job Overview We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to oversee raw material procurement activities for a well-established Japanese automotive parts manufacturer specializing in automotive air-conditioning and thermal management systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing, supplier management, cost optimization, procurement strategy, and ensuring a stable supply of materials to support production operations while complying with automotive quality standards, including IATF 16949 .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage overall purchasing and procurement activities for raw materials to ensure timely and cost-effective supply.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with business and production requirements.
• Source, evaluate, select, and negotiate with local and overseas suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance, supplier development initiatives, and strategic supplier relationships.
• Lead cost reduction projects through supplier negotiations, value engineering, and localization activities.
• Monitor raw material market trends and conduct cost analysis to support purchasing decisions.
• Manage procurement budgets, contracts, and commercial agreements.
• Coordinate closely with Production, Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics teams to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Oversee import-export purchasing activities and ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Ensure purchasing processes and supplier management activities comply with IATF 16949 requirements.
• Support supplier audits, quality improvement initiatives, and risk management activities.
• Lead and develop the purchasing team to achieve departmental objectives and KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related fields.
• Minimum 3-10 years of experience in Purchasing, Procurement, Sourcing, or Supply Chain, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Strong experience in raw material purchasing within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in the automotive industry is highly preferred.
• Good understanding of IATF 16949 requirements and supplier quality management.
• Strong experience in supplier sourcing, supplier evaluation, negotiation, supplier development, and supplier performance management.
• Good knowledge of procurement processes, cost analysis, cost reduction, contract management, and sourcing strategy.
• Experience in raw material cost control, localization projects, import-export operations, and overseas sourcing.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Good command of English, both written and spoken.
• Proficient in SAP, particularly Purchasing / Procurement functions.