Role: Senior Project Buyer

Location: Van Buren Township, Michigan

Job ID: 2025-3217

Salary: $90,000 – $105,000

Ricardo’s Performance Products division is seeking a skilled and proactive Senior Project Buyer to join our team and support the New Product Introduction (NPI) of a significant, recently awarded project. Our division delivers niche, high-performance powertrain solutions and drives industrialization of products for some of the world’s most prestigious brands. This is a unique opportunity for someone with procurement or supply-chain expertise to make a tangible impact in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, contributing to the delivery of world-class engineering projects.

Role Overview

As a Senior Project Buyer, you will manage the procurement of parts and materials from concept through to series production. You will work closely with suppliers, engineering teams, and clients to ensure the supply chain is optimized, cost-effective, and meets strict quality and delivery targets. Your responsibilities will include supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and risk evaluation across a global supply base; driving cost-reduction initiatives; and supporting the industrialization of new product lines. This is a highly collaborative role that offers the chance to influence major projects and contribute to the delivery of innovative performance products on a global stage.

Essential Duties

• Take ownership of the full procurement lifecycle, from concept through series production.
• Support the industrialization of supply chains for new product lines, ensuring smooth launch and ramp-up.
• Assist in supplier selection and management across a complex, global supply base.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to define requirements and coordinate supply chain activities.
• Lead competitive bidding (RFQs), negotiate pricing, and report on cost reduction achievements.
• Resolve design feasibility issues, expedite orders, and manage concessions or return rejects with suppliers.
• Manage negotiations, contracts, and risk assessments with both US and international suppliers.
• Utilize MRP/EDI systems to ensure efficient materials management and accurate project tracking.
• Assess and monitor supplier capabilities to consistently meet cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Drive results to meet internal and external performance targets.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proven experience in purchasing or procurement within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Experience with warehouse management and inventory control.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of material planning, manufacturing processes, and component requirements.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills with a customer-focused mindset.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and active listening skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in niche or low-volume manufacturing.
• Exposure to powertrain or drivetrain products.
• Knowledge of the marine industry is a plus, but not essential.

Working at Ricardo

At Ricardo, every voice matters. We foster inclusion, collaboration, and innovation, where your expertise drives real-world impact. Your ideas will help us deliver solutions that contribute to safer and more sustainable communities worldwide.

Work-Life Balance

We are open to flexible working arrangements. Well-being is central to our culture, enabling everyone to thrive and reach their full potential.

Benefits

We value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your physical and mental well-being.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Ricardo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status.

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