Role: Procurement Manager 

Location: Van Buren Twp, MI

Role ID: 2025-2886

The successful candidate will be a key member of a team with a broad remit to support the New Product Introduction of a major project, within the Performance Products business unit of Ricardo. This business unit specialises in delivering niche powertrain products and supporting product industrialisation planning to many premium brand customers. This is an exciting opportunity for someone wishing to apply their procurement/supply-chain experience and knowledge in a dynamic hands-on environment, producing world class products and working closely with a diverse client base.

Key responsibilities:

• As a Procurement Manager your role will include responsibility for the Management of purchased parts from concept to series production for suppliers and projects you are assigned.
• Lead the supply chain industrialization for a new product line.
• Support the supply chain selection within a complex global supply base.
• Meeting with Clients to discuss/define requirements and coordinate supply chain activities between suppliers, clients and Engineering/project teams.
• Competitive bidding (RFQ), negotiating prices / added value and reporting cost-reduction achievements.
• Liaising with suppliers and Engineering teams on design feasibility issues, expediting orders and agreeing concessions or return rejects.
• Negotiation, contracting, and risk evaluation of/with US and international suppliers.
• Utilize a robust MRP/EDI system for materials management.
• Assess supplier capability to meet cost, quality and timing requirements.
• Report appropriately to senior leadership.
• Meet stringent internal and external targets on cost, delivery and quality.

Essential role factors

Role autonomy: This role will be based full time in Detroit. Plans are for the team to continue its growth as project matures. Post SOP the plan is for this role to transition from a new product introduction/industrialization role into a supply chain management role.
Reporting to the Head of Procurement – NA, this role will primarily be site based at Ricardo’s Detroit Technical Centre, Van Buren Township

Accountability: The successful candidate will, with the support of the leadership team, be responsible
for the successful sourcing and contracting of allocated parts/suppliers
Leadership: This role may, over time, involve management of other more junior buyers

Additional/special features of the role: The role will require frequent travel, mainly in the US but occasionally further afield.

Essential technical and professional skills, knowledge and qualification:

• Bachelor’s or other 4-year Degree required, or relevant experience.
• Demonstrable experience in purchasing/procurement
• Knowledge of material work planning and manufacturing methods necessary to meet component requirements.
• Experience with warehouse and inventory control.
• Strong but customer-aware negotiation skills; ability to influence.
• Strong problem solving, analytical and listening skills.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, dynamic and matrix organization.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively multi-task.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Access and Power Point.

Desirable technical and professional skills, knowledge and qualification:

• Experience in a niche volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience in powertrain and drivetrain products.
• Knowledge of the marine industry preferable but not essential

Additional Features of the Role

Flexibility to support some travel to suppliers and customers both domestically and internationally (including North & South America and the EU), along with a valid driver's license.

Working Here

You will be welcomed into a workplace where every voice matters. Our diverse team collaborates to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you in finding your place here and encourage you to leverage your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through your projects. Your knowledge and desire to effect change will be valuable in delivering innovative solutions that contribute to safer and more sustainable communities worldwide.

Work-Life Balance

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. Well-being is at the core of our culture, enabling employees to flourish and reach their full potential.

Benefits

We want you to feel valued. Your compensation and benefits package will reflect that. You will receive a range of benefits that support your physical and mental health.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy or related conditions, marital or parental status (IL only), height, weight, national origin, citizenship status, age, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction record (MI only), genetic information, military or veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or municipal law.

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