At AAM, the POWER is in our people. We believe that an equitable and inclusive workplace benefits everyone, and that the diversity of our Associates drives creativity and innovation. Our global team is made of dreamers, doers and innovators who are Delivering POWER for a safer, brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.

Job Posting Title

Senior Strategist - Global Procurement

Job Description Summary

The Senior Strategist is responsible for long-term planning, strategy development, leading the strategic sourcing process, leading continuous improvement initiatives and supporting AAM’s Global manufacturing facilities. This role ensures cost-effective sourcing while maintaining quality and delivery standards in line with Tier 1 automotive supplier requirements. The Senior Strategist will work closely with Global engineering, manufacturing, sales, program management, finance, and suppliers to optimize the supply chain and support new product launches.

Job Description

• Sourcing & Procurement: Lead the strategic sourcing process; including request for quotation, evaluation of bids, cost breakdown analysis, negotiation, supplier evaluation, sourcing recommendation, and contracting.   
• Strategy:  Execute the Global Strategy with the approved supply base, consolidating strategic suppliers while reducing costs, maintaining quality and performance standards.
• New Product Development Support: Collaborate on sourcing strategies for new business programs to ensure timely supplier sourcing and readiness.
• Cost Analysis: Analyze supplier cost structures and market trends to identify opportunities for cost reductions.
• Continuous Improvement / VAVE: Lead and implement process improvements / cost reduction and VAVE activities to improve competitiveness of category spend to meet or exceed budget and business plan targets.
• Quality & Compliance: Work with Quality and Engineering teams to ensure supplier compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and other AAM and industry standards.

• Financial Budgeting & Forecasting:  Contribute to annual procurement budget development process and support submission of monthly forecasts to finance team.

• Negotiation: Conduct cost and price negotiations and establish long-term agreements with suppliers to deliver the highest value materials that meet cost, quality, and delivery requirements and drive cost savings and supplier performance improvements.

• Supplier Management: Develop and manage relationships with suppliers to ensure quality, cost competitiveness, and on-time delivery.
• Technical Support:  Lead technical sourcing reviews with supply base, systems engineering, component engineering and supplier quality engineering contacts to close out all issues and ensure cross-functional support of sourcing recommendations.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, including capacity, price fluctuations, and geopolitical factors.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with internal teams (engineering, manufacturing, finance) to align procurement strategies with company objectives.

Required Skills and Education

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferred major in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or other related field
• 5+ years previous purchasing or related manufacturing experience preferred
• Preferred experience with iron castings, seals, bearings or forgings in the automotive industry
• Thorough knowledge of industry purchasing policies, procedures, and commercial practices
• Understanding of global sourcing, landed cost, and supply chain risk management
• Strong negotiation skills with a history of cost savings and supplier performance improvement
• Proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle / Plex Preferred) and data analytics tools
• Self- starter who takes initiative, able to work independently, identifies what needs to be done, prioritizes, and completes tasks.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills
• High degree of planning and organization skills
• Ability to travel as required for supplier visits and audits

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent
• Familiarity with cost drivers, cost breakdown analysis, and cost models
• Experience collaborating with international suppliers
• Intermediate to Advanced level computer skills required including strong Excel skills (Pivot Tables, V-Lookups)

About AAM:

As a leading global Tier 1 Automotive and Mobility Supplier, AAM designs, engineers and manufactures Driveline and Metal Forming technologies to support electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Headquartered in Detroit with over 80 facilities in 18 countries, we are Bringing the Future Faster for a safer and more sustainable tomorrow. To learn more, visit AAM.com.

Why Join #TeamAAM:

As a member of #TeamAAM, you’ll get to make a difference on day one. From your first day with us, you’ll have the opportunity to grow, embrace challenges, build your skills, and bring your authentic self to work every day, all while helping to shape the future of mobility for AAM…and the world.

AAM will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. AAM will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail TalentAcquisition@aam.com. AAM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.