Commodity Buyer

STRATTEC Security Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers providing access and security systems to the automotive market. This drives us to be an innovative company with the latest technology. STRATTEC creates exciting opportunities to people who like to work in an environment that challenges them to be creative, deal with multiple customers and projects, and research the latest technology. You will help STRATTEC to be a pioneer by working closely with the largest automotive customers in the world along with the largest electronic partners.

Let us know who you are! We want to know what motivates you and why you are the ideal candidate for our growing team. The ideal candidate will possess a team oriented attitude; have a multidiscipline background, and a passion for innovation.

The individual in this role will be responsible for the strategic procurement of Indirect Materials, Services, IT, and Capital requirements. This position supports our Milwaukee Wi. Corporate Headquarters and Manufacturing Operations and the Auburn Hills Mi. Engineering Center.

Key responsibilities include conducting value analysis to identify and develop alternative source options that reduce total landed costs while ensuring quality and service standards are maintained. The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Production Planning, and Finance, to align supplier performance with corporate objectives.

The successful candidate will lead foster strong, professional relationships with vendors. All interactions must reflect fairness, integrity, and compliance with Strattec Security Corporation's Code of Conduct.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Procurement Execution
• Place and manage purchase orders for Milwaukee Corporate Headquarters and Manufacturing Operations and the Auburn Hills Engineering Center.
• MRO, and services aligned with production schedules.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data in ERP systems (lead times, pricing, lot sizes, etc.).
• Operations Support
  • Partner closely with production planners, operations managers, and schedulers to understand material needs and shifts in demand.
  • Anticipate supply constraints and proactively address potential disruptions.
  • Support expediting and de-expediting activities to align with changing production needs.
• Supplier Coordination
  • Communicate daily with suppliers to confirm capacity, track shipments, and manage shortages or delays.
  • Assist in resolving invoice discrepancies, quality concerns, and delivery issues in collaboration with quality and accounts payable teams.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Serve as a liaison between operations and the broader procurement function to ensure consistency in sourcing strategies.
  • Work with strategic buyers on sourcing transitions, new supplier onboarding, and price negotiations.
  • Support inventory control efforts and help manage safety stock and reorder points in alignment with supply planning.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Identify cost savings, supply assurance, and process improvement opportunities within the purchasing process.
  • Participate in projects such as vendor transitions, VSM events, and system upgrades (e.g., ERP enhancements).
  • Support other administrative functions related to the procurement team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be highly organized. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must have proven negotiation skills, with implemented cost savings. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Team player and ability to work under pressure and to make decisions in a timely manner.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering or related experience as demonstrated. Minimum of five years of strategic purchasing experience as it relates to supplier relations, sourcing, and contract management. Automotive purchasing experience preferred. Language: Primary English

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None.

COMPUTER ABILITIES:

• EXCEL
• WORD
• POWER POINT
• AS400
• MEGAMATION (desired)

STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action to recruit, hire, train, upgrade, transfer and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.