Replenishment Buyer

Replenishment Buyer

The Replenishment Buyer is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted product supply across a diverse automotive parts portfolioincluding ICE, hybrid, and EV-related componentsby executing effective purchasing strategies and optimizing inventory levels. This role focuses heavily on supply chain tactical processes, purchase order execution, lead-time reliability, and inventory optimization to support service-level, margin, and working-capital goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Product Supply Management

• Execute purchase orders to maintain product availability across assigned automotive product categories.
• Monitor supplier lead times, capacity constraints, shipment statuses, and inbound logistics to ensure continuity of supply.
• Expedite and adjust purchase orders as necessary to respond to supply disruptions, backorders, or shifts in customer requirements.
• Collaborate closely with suppliers to address shortages, expedite options, production constraints, and fill-rate improvement actions.

Inventory Optimization

• Maintain optimal stocking strategies by adjusting reorder points, safety stock, and replenishment parameters within system guidelines.
• Identify excess and slow-moving inventory trends and partner with internal teams on disposition, substitutions, or cost-recovery strategies.
• Support inventory-health initiativesincluding obsolescence mitigation and SKU lifecycle managementfor both traditional and emerging EV components.
• Analyze inventory performance (turns, DOH, service levels) and recommend actions that balance availability and financial targets.

Supplier Performance & Relationship Management

• Manage day-to-day supplier interactions and hold suppliers accountable for OTIF performance, quality, and responsiveness.
• Participate in supplier reviews and contribute feedback on lead-time accuracy, delivery reliability, and improvement opportunities.
• Support negotiations on pricing, freight terms, MOQ adjustments, and packaging optimization to reduce landed cost and improve margin.

Issue Resolution & Operational Excellence

• Resolve supply-related issues including shortages, over-shipments, quality holds, and documentation discrepancies.
• Partner with Logistics and Distribution to coordinate inbound shipments, container optimization, and warehouse receiving priorities.
• Maintain accurate purchasing dataincluding lead times, pricing, supplier information, and item settingsin ERP and planning systems.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing cost, improving supply reliability, and streamlining procurement processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Planning, Sourcing, Category Management, Quality, Sales, and Operations to support new product introductions, portfolio transitions, and supplier scorecarding.
• Communicate supply risks, delays, or constraints to internal stakeholders in a timely and solution-focused manner.
• Support corporate initiatives related to digital procurement enhancements and inventory-data integrity.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform other duties as required, including participating in sourcing events, cost-reduction initiatives, or process-improvement projects.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong PC proficiency including ERP/MRP systems, Excel, and digital procurement tools.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and with suppliers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with high attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple active purchase requirements in a fast-moving SKU-intensive environment.
• Customer-focused mindset with urgency and accountability.
• Understanding of automotive-parts supply-chain dynamics such as supersessions, supplier consolidation, imports, and SKU proliferation.
• Good judgment, ethical decision-making, and reliability in all interactions.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• Associates degree in supply chain, business, operations management, or related field required.
• 35 years of purchasing or supply-chain experience in the automotive aftermarket or a comparable high-SKU distribution environment preferred.
• Experience with international sourcing or long-lead imported product categories is a plus.
• Supply-chain certifications (APICS CPIM/CSCP, ISM CPSM) preferred but not required.
• High-proficiency in MS Office tools (especially Excel), ERP and Spend Management systems