Purchasing Coordinator

Company Overview
Nippon Seiki is a world-class manufacturer of instruments for vehicles, agricultural, and construction equipment. Established in 1946, Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Japan, with numerous facilities worldwide. Nippon Seiki North America ("NSNA"), a group company of Nippon Seiki, located in Auburn Hills, MI, is a tier one supplier of instrument clusters and head-up display units for FCA US, General Motors, BMW, Honda, Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Polaris, Arctic Cat and other OEM's.

Purpose of Job
Oversee and ensure the proper planning and execution of procurement and purchasing activities, based on the analysis of raw material demand and prioritizing optimal delivery (on time and in the correct manner), efficient sourcing, and the supply of materials to production lines.

Major Duties/Responsibilities
Top duties or activities in a given year. Not all tasks/steps performed are listed.

1. Provide analysis and monitor the status of the purchasing team regarding items, part numbers, and key performance indicators, ensuring that raw material procurement processes flow optimally and according to plan—adhering to established parameters and terms to guarantee the timely and proper arrival, optimal storage, and intake of materials in the correct quantities.
2. Assist the purchasing team by providing guidance on matters related to the procurement process.
3. Ensure the purchasing team is trained and equipped with the necessary resources to meet performance expectations, aligning the area's operational activities with the Procurement Manager's strategic vision.
4. Promote the team's effective use of internal systems (STS, PLEX) to optimize infrastructure and save time and costs.
5. Participate in and co-lead—alongside the Area Manager—internal and cross-functional meetings (APQP, Production Control, etc.), ensuring timely follow-up on agendas and pending items, while supporting APU/APQP teams and providing feedback to direct reports.
6. Monitor and provide information to the Area Manager to facilitate day-to-day decision-making and track team performance, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and periodic requirements (monthly inventory, etc.).

Education, Experience and Knowledge
Required and/or preferred level of education, knowledge and skills that are necessary.

Education:

• Completed Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial), Business Administration, or a related field.

Related Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles, including 1 year of personnel management.

Special Training or Competency

General Knowledge:

• IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards, 5S, problem-solving. Material control, supply chain, material requirements planning.

Specific Knowledge:

• Supply Chain Knowledge
• Material Change management
• Supplier Development and supplier performance management
• MRP/MPS inputs and outputs interpretation
• Negotiation Skills

Soft Skills:

• Teamwork
• Results orientation
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Judgment
• Resource management
• Proactive

Specialized Training:

• PLEX, MES/STS

NSNA Competencies

• Adaptation/Flexibility : Includes keeping an open mind regarding new ideas and ways of doing things. Willing to consider alternative interpretations or ways of looking at the situation. Demonstrating flexibility.
• Initiative/Results Driven : Includes setting high standards of performance for self and others. Striving to accomplish goals even if it means personal sacrifice. Putting the goals of the organization above own goals.
• Judgment/Decision Making : Includes making decisions and takes actions that have beneficial impact. Effectively evaluating information in order to come up with sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Resource Management : Includes setting clear objectives to guide action for self or others to accomplish goals. Organizing or adjusting information, people and materials to meet those goals.
• Team Work : Includes encouraging and supporting the ideas and effort of others. Finding ways to help the team or group perform effectively.
• Leading Others : Includes leading by setting clear expectations for performance and responsibility. Serving as a role model of appropriate attitudes and behaviors. Diagnosing the needs and capabilities of employees and taking actions to maximize each person's development.

DISCLAIMER
The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.