Flex-N-Gate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the automotive industry, recently ranked 10^th of the 150 Top North American Suppliers in “Automotive News.” A growing and vital company, Flex-N-Gate provides a great opportunity for hard-working and skilled individuals.

The Senior Buyer is responsible for the tactical procurement of commodities and supplies to be used by the organization. The Senior Buyer coordinates his or her efforts with advance product development, manufacturing and plant materials team in order to source suppliers and maintain appropriate levels of inventory. This individual will utilize expert knowledge to purchase goods and services that meet quality requirements and specifications at the most favorable price for the company, while simultaneously building and maintaining strategic relationships with key suppliers.

Responsibilities will include contract negotiation, strategic forecasting and supplier management for ensuring availability of all necessary materials required to support the manufacturing processes at various Flex-N-Gate plants.

• Drive annual cost reduction projects and conduct cost benchmarking to meet organizational goals.
• Manage RFQ process, analyze supplier quotations and make fact based sourcing recommendations to senior management.
• Manage direct material procurement functions for several commodities.
• Lead quoting and sourcing recommendation activities from placement of PO to delivery of product.
• Play an active role in the APQP process using our PLM system. Manage, Research, assess and expand on our global supply base. Lead global sourcing activities for a variety of new buy parts on behalf of several plants in Canada, Europe, U.S, Mexico, China. Provide active supplier support to all departments including product development, manufacturing, sales, quality and finance. Continuously scope market place to find new and increasingly competitive suppliers globally.
• Plan, organize, direct and control key sourcing activities
• Identify vendors of materials, equipment or supplies
• Evaluate cost breakdowns of goods or services
• Negotiate purchase contracts
• Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products or substitute materials
• Review and process claims against suppliers
• Sourcing, Negotiation, Contracting & Executing agreements to fulfill Day-to-Day business needs, primarily for High value specialty Materials & Services not available on existing agreements
• Managing project related teams and initiatives
• Process Improvements and Process expertise for Procurement & Stores
• Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate supply chain activities.
• Establish delivery schedules, monitor progress and contact clients and suppliers to resolve issues.
• Place purchase orders ensuring flow of inventory that guarantees optimum stock levels and meets turnover goals.
• Maintain an extensive database for all orders that is up to date and provides information for analysis and reporting.
• Provide product, storage and order information to all internal departments as requested.
• Stay current with internal and external factors impacting procurement function.
• Research and survey buying markets in order to source the most optimal suppliers, in accordance with corporate objectives.
• Arrange for payments to vendors for products or services procured.
• Prepare and administer bids, requests for quote, requests for proposal, requests for information, and other vendor documentation.
• Manage service level agreements, scope of work, and contract terms with service providers.
• Advise departments and business units of lead time required to obtain products or services.
• Make alternate arrangements in the event of shortages or delayed deliveries to minimize impact on the organization.
• Required to travel domestic and internationally

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Engineering or Supply Chain Management
• Minimum 7 years progressive purchasing experience in commodities and components for the Automotive industry
• SCMP designation is an asset
• Comprehensive experience drafting vendor agreements including the ability to strategically assess and mitigate risk with vendors and suppliers through well-structured agreements.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills to communicate effectively with all levels within the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Considerable knowledge of laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to corporate purchasing practices.
• Strong writing skills for creating reports, correspondence, contracts, requests, bids, and other documentation.
• Knowledge of the appropriate tools for grading, analyzing, and assessing materials, equipment, supplies, services, and other commodities.
• Demonstrated understanding of integrated supply chain and logistics concepts and theories.
• Exceptional forecasting ability with strong analytical and interpretive skills.
• ERP user experience.
• Strong computer skills in a Windows environment.
• Work experience in international purchasing preferred.
• Experience in steel procurement is preferred
• Demonstrated work experience of successful JIT management required.
• Knowledge of local and global markets for the industry.
• Basic mathematical skills with ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, percentages and averages required.
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
• Able to build and maintain lasting relationships with corporate departments and key business partners.
• Able to work efficiently as a part of a team as well as independently.
• Excellent time and project management skills.

• Medical, dental, prescription, vision, life and disability insurance
• RRSP retirement savings plan
• Extensive safety training, new hire orientation, continuous learning and development programs and tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays and vacation time

What do our employees have to say?
“It engages you professionally, and provides learning opportunities.”
“Lots of growth opportunity.”
“The company’s young enough to be exciting, but old enough to be stable.”
Not just a job—a great place to work!
 

Flex-N-Gate is an equal opportunity employer.   Ontario Human Rights Code and AODA.