Job Summary: The Category Purchasing Lead will manage purchasing activities for purchased components and materials as a key member of the Project Cross-Functional Team. This individual will manage and effectively communicate timelines for all purchasing activities to meet project milestones and purchasing deliverables. The position will act as functional lead, supporting a development process and work in close collaboration with program management, engineering, quality, business development, and manufacturing. Responsibilities: * Represent Purchasing organization in the cross-functional team from the conception of the program till the end of life. * Lead for major category of Thermal, Mechanical, Electronics, or Adhesion. * Utilize market research and industry data to analyze trends for the category and develop strategies that align with the future trends for the market. * Support the business segments and cross-functional team on business pursuits for all purchased components and assist in cost estimating pre-quotations. * Coordinate with purchasing team the source selection and kick off purchased components to meet or exceed the awarded program cost, quality, and delivery. * Support cross-functional team initiatives around lead time reduction and cost improvements. * Develop recovery plans for components' late deliverables. * Communicate supplier risks regarding the launch of a program to a cross-functional team. * Maintain relevant Purchasing reports as required for management review. * Maintain regular feedback to management regarding the status category components that support all programs. * Support adherence to all statutory regulations concerning health, safety, and environmental standards, as well as the company's sustainable development program. * Demonstrate commitment to the principle of continuous improvement. * Category budget setting responsibility and activities to support positive profitability improvements. * Assist in special assignments. * Adhere to federal and state regulations. * Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures. * Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned. * Predictable and reliable attendance. Position Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in International Business, Business, Economics, Engineering, or Supply Chain from a four-year college or university. * Minimum of five (5) years of experience in purchasing for the automotive industry. * Minimum of two (2) years of experience purchasing battery management systems components or similar components in a manufacturing setting. * Battery module background a plus. * MRP system experience (Plex a plus). * Ability to thrive, without much oversight, in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. Key Competencies: * Thinks Strategically: Acts with the long-term future in mind. Considers future impact when weighing decisions. Anticipates trends and future consequences. * Takes Calculated Risks: Takes calculated risks to achieve goals. Finds a balance between analysis and action. When fails, accepts it, learns from it, and moves on to the next challenge. * Decision Making & Analysis: Makes sound decisions based upon a mixture of data-driven analysis, expertise, experience, and judgment; collects relevant information, seeking input from others, and identifies connections and/or root causes of problems. * Takes Initiative: Exhibits strong drive for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition. * Integrity: Acts and makes decisions in a manner consistent with the needs of the public in delivery of products/services. Acts in line with the culture and norms of both the organization and society in general. * Leads Change: Persistently moves in the face of ambiguity, dilemmas, and resistance to get completion of changes in an organized way; adapts with flexibility to and copes with changing situations while maintaining focus on goals. * Continual Impro