Senior Buyer - Injection Mold and Resin
Apply NowCompany: Detroit Manufacturing Systems
Location: Detroit, MI 48228
Description:
DMS' Purpose:
We are creating a culture of service. We empower others to grow, rise and give back - accelerating positive change in the world. We lead with the heart to bring out the best in you - which brings out the best in us. We do well so we can do good.
Serve Others, Enrich Lives, Rise Together and Give Back.
Job Overview:
The Senior Buyer - Injection Mold & Resin is responsible for leading strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationship management for all injection molding tools, resins, and related direct materials. This role requires deep technical understanding of injection molding processes, materials science (particularly thermoplastics), and resin markets. The position collaborates cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and Legal teams to ensure cost-effective, timely, and quality-driven supply of critical materials and tooling.
The Senior Buyer is expected to lead cost-reduction efforts, manage complex negotiations, and develop long-term partnerships with key suppliers to support company growth, innovation, and production efficiency.
Primary Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
Required Skills / Education / Experience:
Traits/Values:
Integrity - adhering to high ethical principles and professional standards.
Our Values:
Gratitude * Integrity * Fun * Teamwork * Excellence * Diversity &
Respect * Innovation * Commitment * Humility
We are creating a culture of service. We empower others to grow, rise and give back - accelerating positive change in the world. We lead with the heart to bring out the best in you - which brings out the best in us. We do well so we can do good.
Serve Others, Enrich Lives, Rise Together and Give Back.
Job Overview:
The Senior Buyer - Injection Mold & Resin is responsible for leading strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationship management for all injection molding tools, resins, and related direct materials. This role requires deep technical understanding of injection molding processes, materials science (particularly thermoplastics), and resin markets. The position collaborates cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and Legal teams to ensure cost-effective, timely, and quality-driven supply of critical materials and tooling.
The Senior Buyer is expected to lead cost-reduction efforts, manage complex negotiations, and develop long-term partnerships with key suppliers to support company growth, innovation, and production efficiency.
Primary Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
- Lead procurement of injection molding tools and resins including both custom tooling and high-performance engineering thermoplastics for production and prototype programs.
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies specific to injection mold and resin commodities, balancing quality, cost, lead time, and supplier capacity.
- Manage RFQs, vendor selection, price negotiations, and contract awards for injection mold and resin suppliers.
- Work closely with engineering to support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and supplier selection during product development.
- Negotiate and administer contracts, long-term agreements, and pricing schedules with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms for tooling investment and resin supply.
- Drive supplier performance in quality, delivery, service, and cost through regular reviews and performance scorecards.
- Collaborate with Legal to create, review, and modify supply agreements, including tooling ownership clauses, material warranties, and IP protection.
- Stay abreast of resin market trends, commodity indices, and global supply chain disruptions; proactively manage risk and implement mitigation strategies.
- Facilitate cross-functional sourcing decisions and contribute to make/buy analysis in tooling and molding decisions.
- Participate in design and process reviews, program team meetings, and supplier audits.
- Proactively support cost-reduction initiatives, supplier consolidation, and supply chain localization strategies.
- Mentor junior buyers or sourcing analysts as required.
Required Skills / Education / Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- Minimum 5-7 years of direct purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years focused on injection mold and resin sourcing.
- In-depth knowledge of injection molding processes, tooling design, and thermoplastic resins (e.g., ABS, PC, PBT, Nylon, etc.).
- Proven success in supplier negotiations, contract management, and strategic sourcing in a technical environment.
- Familiarity with tooling lead times, mold trials, material certifications, and PPAP/APQP requirements.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and PLM tools.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for supplier development and audits.
Traits/Values:
Integrity - adhering to high ethical principles and professional standards.
- Trustworthiness - Being honest, dependable, and earning the confidence of others.
- Excellence - consistently being the best you can be.
- Responsible - being reliable and trustworthy.
- Accountability - being obligated and willing to accept responsibility for one's actions.
- Dignity - behaving in accord with DMS basic principles.
- Respect - treating others as you would have them treat you.
Our Values:
Gratitude * Integrity * Fun * Teamwork * Excellence * Diversity &
Respect * Innovation * Commitment * Humility