Senior Commodity Buyer (Retail Services)

Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company.

Bridgestone Americas and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries.

The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The Bridgestone Americas family of companies also operates the world’s largest chain of automotive tire and service centers.

Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.

Position Summary:
The Sr. Commodity Buyer of Services is responsible for the implementation of sourcing strategies for Services related to Bridgestone Retail Operations in order to reduce the total cost of ownership for goods and services while ensuring uninterrupted supply.

Working with the appropriate business units and functional team members, the Sr. Commodity Buyer of Services will respond to business needs quickly and with accurate data to ensure that requested information is a reliable source from which Procurement decisions can be based.

Responsibilities:
Delivery of the highest level of support and customer service to relevant stakeholders to ensure business needs are managed in a professional and efficient manner

Assisting in the development of category profiles for both internal and external use to promote clarity among relevant stakeholders

Assisting in the review and assessment of supplier responses to RFQs to validate product quality, price competitiveness, delivery, etc.

Interacts with both suppliers and internal customers to identify, implement, and realize optimal value and performance

Partners closely with and builds strong relationships with internal customers to understand and effectively respond to supplier and commodity needs

Monitors commodity-impacting market trends to establish insight for strategy development, execution, and risk mitigation

Manages and enhances supplier performance through standardized processes and continuous improvement efforts (KPI/SLA) to obtain optimal results related to quality, cost, delivery, and service

Resolves any internal or external issues related to quality, cost, delivery, etc. to minimize the risk of interrupted supply

Work to achieve day-to-day objectives with significant impact on operational results within area of work. Works independently under limited supervision.

Solve problems and issues faced are general, and may require understanding of broader set of issues, which may be difficult

Be responsible for making moderate to significant improvements of processes, systems or products to enhance performance of the area.

Communicate with parties within and outside of own job function. May have responsibility for communicating with parties external to the organization (e.g., customers, vendors, etc.)

Possess ability to compromise and work with others internally and externally in order to deliver results and achieve set goals

Contract development, management & oversight

Strategy development including but not limited to:
Supplier segmentation/rationalization

Spend analysis & costing models

SWOT analysis

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree required

3+ years experience in strategic and/or operational purchasing or relevant business experience including but not limited to: supply chain, operations management, project management, engineering, or finance

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Products

Exposure and experience with SAP preferred

Automotive parts experience a plus

Ability to multitask and adapt priorities quickly

Effective and advanced communication skills

Problem solving, ability to identify key issues and effectively coordinate efforts to achieve resolution

Ability to work in a team environment