Lead Buyer, Strategic Purchasing

Job Description Title: Lead Buyer - Strategic Purchasing Location: Novi, MI or Aiken, S.C. Key Accountabilities: Manage supplier selection for casting commodities, including evaluating new suppliers, collecting and comparing offers, and making award decisions. Lead and document contract negotiations, including framework agreements that address quality standards, capacity planning, cost reimbursements, and logistics. Oversee the complete external procurement process for cast components up to series production release. Perform detailed cost and price analyses, particularly for cast parts, and support simultaneous engineering and development efforts with suppliers. Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities specific to casting materials and processes. Prepare purchasing award summaries and manage documentation for suppliers involved in production and aftersales casting components. Develop commodity strategies for castings in alignment with global and regional purchasing and logistics goals. Lead and deliver cross-functional projects on time and within budget, including those involving engineering, quality, and manufacturing functions. Negotiate competitive pricing, contract terms, and long-term agreements with casting suppliers. Proactively resolve issues related to pricing, invoicing, and contractual obligations. Provide accurate forecasts for annual material, tooling, and repair budgets related to casting commodities. Support the implementation of standardized purchasing processes, tools, and reporting methods. Create viable solutions and options for complex procurement challenges. Contribute to company-wide cost savings initiatives, particularly around material and process optimization in castings. Maintain open and professional communication across internal departments, executive leadership, and suppliers. Uphold workplace organization and good housekeeping practices. Keep leadership updated on key tasks, risks, and open issues. Actively promote and uphold a compliance-focused culture, in alignment with the Rolls-Royce Integrity Code. Support global sourcing initiatives and special projects as assigned. Basic Requirements: Bachelors degree in supply chain, Business Management, Materials Management, or Business Finance, or related field. Minimum 57 years of experience in strategic procurement, with a strong focus on casting commodities Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S without sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. Preferred: Master's degree in supply chain, Business Management, Materials Management, or Business Finance, or related field. In-depth technical and commercial understanding of casting processes, suppliers, and industry standards Proven ability to negotiate complex agreements, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost improvements with a focus on cost reductions Experience working in a global manufacturing or automotive environment Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite Ability to lead projects and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams Ability to travel - domestic and international and work flexible hours Specific knowledge of Off-Highway Diesel Engine commodities, materials and products Several years of professional experience in purchasing with focus on international procurement, ideally in the casting sector Engineering or technical degree German language skills SAP experience Rolls-Royce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics. At Rolls-Royce, we are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and empowered to do their best work. We foster a welcoming and innovative work environment that invests in you, giving you access to an incredible breadth and depth of opportunities where you can grow your career and make a difference. Job Category Procurement Job Posting Date 10 Nov 2025; 00:11 Pay Range $78,778 - $128,015-Annually Location: Aiken, SC Benefits Rolls-Royce provides a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that includes base pay and a discretionary bonus plan. Eligible employees may have the opportunity to enroll in other benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance; a flexible spending account; a health savings account; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off; certain paid holidays; paid parental and family care leave; tuition reimbursement; and a long-term incentive plan. The options available to an employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as date of hire, employment type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements. Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver the cleanest, safest and most competitive solutions to our planets vital power needs.