Buyer

What you will do

Are You Looking for a Rewarding and Challenging Career?

At Volvo Penta, our employees know what it takes to make a teamwork! Being part of that team means that you are working with a global and remarkably diverse group of passionate, enthusiastic and highly skilled professionals from all walks of life who work and play hard. We are so impressive that we have won the “Great Place to Work” award a few years running as well as being named “Employer of the Year,” by Diesel Progress magazine! This is absolutely a Great Place to belong with folks ready to welcome you onboard!

The Purchasing Department for Volvo Penta Region Americas (VPA)—headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia—is responsible for strategic purchasing that are used in the assembly of the company’s products. This process includes identification of qualified suppliers, analysis of supplier capabilities, analysis of engineering drawings, quotation and negotiation of piece and tooling prices. The Buyer also has the responsibility to assess the quality systems being used by the suppliers to ensure that the end products manufactured by Volvo Penta, meet or exceed the customers' expectations. 

We are currently looking for a Buyer to join our amazing team here in Chesapeake.

In this role, you will be a member of the Purchasing team and will be responsible in assessing the quality systems being used by the suppliers to ensure that the end products manufactured by Volvo Penta, meet or exceed the customer’s expectations. Some of your core responsibilities will include: 

• Long Term Agreement contract development and execution to secure the most favorable terms and conditions for VPA. 
• Receive and analyze engineering drawings, and determine which suppliers are best suited for inclusion on the formal request for quotation (RFQ). 
• Prepare RFQs for all new parts and for parts undergoing engineering change. 
• Analyze bids received and select the best source for newly engineered parts.   
• Working closely with Senior Buyers to support Segment Strategy 
• Ensuring development and implementation of assigned commodity strategies 
• Managing the business relationships with suppliers (includes implementation of continuous improvement philosophy in quality and delivery areas) 
• Leading and coordinating the MCL target for the commodity. 
• Ensure cross functional cooperation within Volvo Penta organization 
• Participating in all new projects requiring the oversight and leadership of a formal Project Management team 
• Preparing design and cost driver analyses and leading coordination of "concurrent engineering" activities 
• Preparing strategic analyses of new plant and engineering initiatives (including supplier evaluation, negotiation of terms & conditions, as well as supplier recommendation and selection) 
• Ensuring long-term agreement (NDA, Framework, Pricing, Warranty, and Quality) contract development and execution to secure the most favorable terms & conditions for Volvo Penta. 

This position will require some travel (25%) both domestically and internationally.

Who are you?

To be successful in this role, we need someone: 

• This position requires core competencies and basic knowledge to assist Volvo Penta Buyers on supplier negotiations and quality, supply chain operations, collaborating with suppliers, and handling issues to a successful resolution 
• Able to work independently without direct supervision, and manage multiple objectives and cases at one time while also acting as a mentor to others within the department 
• With good basic project and change management skills, as well as an understanding of all modern production processes and materials. We are looking for an individual who wants to learn and excel. 

As with Most Companies, You Also Need the Following... 

• Strong experience with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook, and familiarity with database programs. 
• You’ll be speaking with employees at all levels within and outside the company, so you’ll need excellent communication skills, including fluency in speaking and writing English. 
   

Education & Experience; this position requires the following:

• Minimum of a 4-year bachelor’s degree in business-related or engineering field (preferable); or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4+ years’ experience in a buyer position.
• Production purchasing experience, a plus
• Automotive purchasing experience, a plus.

Ready for the next move?

If you are interested in being part of a team focused on innovation and success, and feel that this opportunity is for you, we invite you to apply to become a Buyer with our team. We look forward to meeting you!

Life is Good in Hampton Roads!

“Hampton Roads” is an eclectic mix of coastal, urban, rural, and historic communities that includes the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Hampton, and Newport News. Our test center marina is located on the water in Suffolk. We have beautiful beaches and state parks, and family-friendly attractions with Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and North Carolina’s Outer Banks within easy driving distance. The area is host to diverse dining and shopping experiences to suit anyone’s tastes. There are so many exciting things to do here in the area that we highly recommend you see it for yourself! You will also find excellent school districts and esteemed institutions of higher learning, including Old Dominion University and The College of William and Mary, among others.