Salary: USD $70,000 - 80,000 plus benefits

Ricardo’s Performance Products division is seeking a key team member to support the New Product Introduction of a major project recently awarded. Performance Products specialises in delivering niche powertrain products and supporting product industrialisation planning for many premium brand customers. 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone wishing to apply their procurement/supply-chain experience and knowledge in a dynamic, hands-on environment, producing world-class products and working closely with a diverse client base. 

Key Responsibilities

• As a Project Buyer, your role will include the responsibility to source and procure specialized components from concept to series production for suppliers and projects you are assigned.
• Be part of the supply chain industrialization for a new product line.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance with a focus on partners experienced in low- to mid-volume, high-precision manufacturing; negotiate pricing, terms, and lead times that align with our specialized product demands.
• Support the supply chain selection within a complex global supply base.
• Meeting with stakeholders to discuss/define requirements and coordinate supply chain activities between suppliers, customers, and Engineering/project teams. 
• Competitive bidding (RFQ), negotiating prices / added value, and reporting cost-reduction achievements.
• Liaising with suppliers and internal stakeholders on any contract items (for example: Design feasibility issues, part concessions, payment terms, expediting orders, return rejects, etc.)
• Negotiation, contracting, and risk evaluation of/with US and international suppliers. 
• Utilize a robust MRP/EDI system for materials management.
• Assess supplier capability to meet cost, quality, and timing requirements.
• Meet stringent internal and external targets on cost, delivery, and quality.
• Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels by forecasting usage based on variable production schedules and customer-driven demand typical of niche, engineered-to-order manufacturing environments.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to support project timelines, custom builds, and technical specifications unique to our specialized product line.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities and risk mitigation strategies tailored to the challenges of sourcing in a niche manufacturing supply chain, including limited supplier bases and long lead times.
• Issue and manage purchase orders with full accountability for accuracy, delivery tracking, and timely resolution of issues—especially in cases where components are critical to build schedules or have long manufacturing cycles.

Technical and professional skills, knowledge, and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Engineering, or relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing or supply chain roles, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in powertrain or automotive preferred.
• Strong understanding of supplier negotiations, contract terms, and procurement best practices.
• Knowledge of material work planning and manufacturing methods necessary to meet component requirements.
• Experience in warehouse and inventory control.
• Strong negotiation skills with a focus on customer awareness and the ability to influence outcomes.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and listening skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and matrixed organization.

Working Here

You will be welcomed into a workplace where every voice matters. Our diverse team collaborates to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you in finding your place here and encourage you to leverage your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through your projects. Your knowledge and desire to effect change will be valuable in delivering innovative solutions that contribute to safer and more sustainable communities worldwide.

Work-Life Balance

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. Well-being is at the core of our culture, enabling employees to flourish and reach their full potential.

Benefits

We want you to feel valued. Your compensation and benefits package will reflect that. You will receive a range of benefits that support your physical and mental health.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy or related conditions, marital or parental status (IL only), height, weight, national origin, citizenship status, age, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction record (MI only), genetic information, military or veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or municipal law.