Job opportunity: project buyer (automotive/plastics)
location: puebla | language requirement: fluent english
experience level: 5+ years | education: engineering, science, or business with purchasing specialization
your mission
as a project buyer, you'll play a key role in delivering successful product launches by driving all purchasing activities for complex automotive or plastic-related projects. You will ensure supplier performance in terms of quality, cost, and timing (qct) while managing budgets, coordinating stakeholders, and contributing to project excellence.
what you'll do
strategic purchasing & sourcing
- lead all purchasing activities for assigned projects (excluding capex). - collaborate with lead buyers to develop a strategic supplier shortlist. - drive rfqs, negotiate contracts, and lead the sourcing recommendation process. - ensure alignment with quality, cost, and timeline objectives.
project management
- define the purchasing scope of work including development budgets and resources. - track milestones and project kpis (ppap on-time, tier 2 readiness, cash flow impact). - manage risk, identify improvement opportunities, and lead supplier task forces when necessary.
supplier coordination
- monitor supplier readiness and ensure a "non-event" launch. - work closely with supplier quality teams to resolve roadblocks. - oversee tier 2 readiness and lead purchasing deep dive reviews.
operational excellence
- oversee purchase requests, orders, and supplier payment schedules. - maintain updated project databases and follow purchasing procedures. - ensure efficient handover to commodity/country buyers at project close.
budget & performance
- validate and manage project purchasing budgets (hours & costs). - analyze variances and implement corrective action plans. - contribute to cash management and continuous improvement workshops.
what you bring
qualifications & experience
- bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or business with a purchasing specialization. - minimum 5 years of experience in purchasing within the automotive or plastics industry. - strong background in project management and supplier coordination.
technical expertise
- advanced negotiation skills. - solid knowledge of purchasing processes, commercial & corporate law. - understanding of logistics, incoterms, vmi, and finance principles. - experience with tools such as optimap and working within global supplier environments.
behavioral skills
- strong leadership and communication skills. - results-driven with a hands-on and structured approach. - team-oriented mindset with a customer-first attitude. - ability to perform under pressure and manage crises effectively.
key performance indicators
- supplier performance in qct. - ppap and tier 2 readiness compliance. - budget adherence (hours & costs). - contribution to project cash in/cash out. - achievement of project deliverables and milestones.
why join us?
this is a high-impact role where your decisions shape the success of critical product launches. You'll work in a dynamic international environment, be part of a passionate team, and play a pivotal role in supplier performance and project success.