Purchasing Senior Specialist

Job Purpose

Manages mass production part ordering and delivery through effective planning, communication, and supplier interface. Under limited supervision, is responsible for complex purchasing, tracking, and distributing necessary inventory and supplies required for production and/or other core business activities. Manages complex projects and handles complex supplier accounts. Apply technical problem-solving skills to prevent impact to operations and support achievement of department targets. Responsible for material procurement, production planning, inventory control, outsourcing, supplier process management and countermeasure implementation.

Key Accountabilities

• Thorough understanding and accurate maintenance of all process related systems: GPCS, NextGen DCMS, POD, NARS, eDCIS, SRM, eQuote) to meet/exceed procurement of parts to maintain sufficient inventory levels to support warehouse packing operations, plant production and supplier relationship management.
• Establish and improve communication networks with supply base to promote positive relationships focused on delivery performance related to delivery improvement and KPI adherence.
• Identify, evaluate, and establish mitigation plan for supplier critical issues to ensure no impact to Honda production. Escalate to management as needed per department escalation.
• Continually develop communication networks, both external and internal, to ensure operational success and department awareness
• Lead department projects and collaborate with team at specific site to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Delivery targets by mitigating risk for Downtime, GDP, TRPU through quick reaction and countermeasure development.
• Lead collaboration with other departments/experts for development or improvement of characteristics to reduce impact to the department(s)
• Initiate Mass Production design change activity ensuring understanding to manage quality and effective date timing is met while minimizing production impact and cost to Honda
• Lead reporting and Gemba activity for root cause analysis / countermeasure implementation to solve complex problems w/ suppliers to improve delivery performance. Manage within Department closure speed and effectiveness guidelines.
• Strive for continuous improvement through cycling Plan Do Check Action (PDCA) for area of responsibility (Delivery and/or Special projects) to ensure associate success
• Develop capability of self, colleagues, and team through training, mentoring, and sharing of experiences in area of technical expertise and understanding opportunities for succession planning and team growth
• Support company vision through Business Plan, Marutoku, and other Business Unit initiatives in areas of knowledge and technical expertise

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Minimum Educational Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management or equivalent related experience

Minimum Experience:

2+ years of relevant experience based on education

Other Job-Specific Skills:

Seeks out feedback and demonstrates ability to learn and expand knowledge outside of one's assigned area
Provides timely guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge / skill needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem.
Presents key issues / information across levels or organization units / departments in a clear and organized manner both verbally and through appropriate documentation
Conducts meetings in an effective and efficient manner (preparation, coordination, facilitation, follow-up)
Takes accountability for one’s own and others actions and actively works to build strong teamwork & trust between peers
Manages the work environment in a clean, uncluttered, safe, and well-organized manner to help reduce waste and optimize productivity
Focuses on high priority activities and does not become distracted by outside influences; develops a sense of urgency in others to meet requirements
Can identify value streams and makes specific improvements in the work methods within the team
Understands connectivity of work to Company and Department strategy and contributes ideas based on own experience
Understands and analyzes information to identify trends, issues, problems, or opportunities and takes action to solve a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity
Formulates clear decision criteria, evaluates options by considering implications and consequences, and can choose an effective option in a timely manner

Job Dimensions

No. of Direct Reports: 0

No. of Indirect Reports: 0

Financial Dimensions: N/A

Decisions Expected

• Approve / Confirm supplier design changes
• Review and issuance of purchase orders through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) via 862/830/850
• Authority to issue supplier index via North American Reporting System (NARS) reports
• Lead problem management discussions w/ suppliers on root cause and countermeasure confirmation activity to ensure future reoccurrence prevention
• Issuance and review of exceptional transportation via CEVA Matrix
• Lead Delivery related projects (Build-Out, Start Up, NARS, Material Flow, Compensation, Design Change, etc…) and complete proper PDCA for continuous improvement through Leadership guidance and theme activities
• Manage project related schedules, activity, and buyer performance tracking
• Support special projects as assigned by Unit leader or Group Leader, complete necessary follow up/feedback

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work overtime approximately 5-10 hours per week.
• Work in a fast paced environment with demanding and critical deadlines.
• Traveling between Plant/Divisions or special assignments.
• Must be able to work weekends and/or shift change from 1st to 2nd shift to help provide support during peak times of year or as needed.