Director of Purchasing

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager – Head of Project Purchasing to act as a strategic business partner within cross-functional project teams. This role is responsible for optimizing external material costs to ensure market competitiveness while maintaining quality and on-time delivery.

You will lead project purchasing activities across multiple product areas, including HVAC, battery electric vehicle components, engine cooling, and related systems within the North America region.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, track, and report project purchasing KPIs, including cost targets, sourcing assurance, and development phase commitments

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of project buyers, including workforce planning and capability development across U.S. and Mexico locations

• Conduct annual performance reviews and set clear goals and objectives for team members

• Ensure projects meet key objectives related to cost, quality, and timing

• Coordinate purchasing activities across regional and global project teams

• Provide supplier performance feedback to commodity and lead buyers during project execution

• Review and approve customer quotations related to material costs within project scope

• Support technical purchasing activities during development and production phases

• Ensure compliance with product development and sourcing processes, including:

  • Supplier selection and bidder alignment

  • RFQ management

  • Quotation analysis and feasibility reviews

  • Critical component tracking

  • APQP / PPAP processes

• Enforce adherence to purchasing policies, procedures, and documentation standards

• Implement standardized tools and methodologies across program purchasing activities

• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Logistics, and Trade Compliance teams to support successful program launches

• Drive supplier performance improvements and cost reduction initiatives

• Ensure supplier nominations meet defined KPIs and award targets

• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related technical field

• 7+ years of experience in purchasing, quality, or manufacturing environments

• Strong knowledge of:

  • Purchasing and supply chain fundamentals

  • Automotive systems (HVAC, engine cooling, or related technologies)

  • Mechanical and thermal systems

• Understanding of quality systems and statistical process control methods

• Experience with manufacturing processes such as:

  • Assembly operations

  • Metal fabrication

  • Electronics manufacturing

  • Plastics and rubber molding

• Excellent communication and leadership skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment

Preferred Skills

• Experience in automotive or Tier 1 supplier environments

• Familiarity with global sourcing and cross-regional project coordination

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

You should be proficient in:

• Quality Inspection Experience
• Bachelor's Degree
• Automotive Repair
• Commodity Purchasing Experience