Company overview:
A major Japanese manufacturer of commercial vehicles, producing trucks, buses, and industrial engines for markets around the world. The organization operates under a global automotive group and plays a key role in advancing electric and autonomous vehicle technologies. With a long history and a strong engineering foundation, it supports transportation and logistics industries across more than 170 countries.
Department Overview
The procurement team is made up of around 30 professionals representing 10 different nationalities, handling some of the most advanced and critical components for our vehicles. The team operates with passion, creativity, and dedication to consistently meet targets and exceed customer expectations.
Role Overview
A) Mission
Guided by the goal of building leading supplier networks and innovative supply chain solutions, the Truck & Bus Procurement (TT/G) team partners with forward-thinking suppliers to integrate next-generation technologies into our products. A key focus is delivering sustainable cost efficiencies that give our products and business a competitive advantage.
B) Key Challenges and Development Opportunities
Engage primarily with suppliers located outside Japan.
Identify and evaluate new suppliers in emerging markets such as China, Korea, India, and Taiwan to challenge existing suppliers.
Collaborate across departments to turn ideas into practical solutions.
Work against clear savings targets and structured project timelines.
Take ownership of initiatives, leading collaboration and planning efforts independently.
C) Responsibilities
Drive vehicle parts commodities toward sustainable supply solutions that meet cost, quality, and delivery goals.
Negotiate with suppliers in Europe and other regions to achieve benchmark performance.
Manage supplier relationships and lead commercial negotiations for truck and bus components.
Oversee procurement activities in the transition from internal combustion engines to electric drive technologies.
Represent procurement in powertrain-related projects, ensuring KPIs are achieved and new components support next-generation vehicle launches.
Candidate Profile
Motivated and able to navigate ambiguous situations with confidence.
Skilled at maintaining strong relationships, even in high-pressure or high-conflict scenarios.
Self-driven, capable of solving complex challenges.
Able to influence stakeholders through analytical and technical expertise.
Qualifications
Required:
University degree in Business, Economics, or Engineering (automotive preferred)
Experience as a buyer or in consulting
Strong proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook
Preferred:
Experience with an automotive OEM or Tier-1 supplier
Languages:
English – Business level
Japanese – Business level