Buyer Planner at American Honda Motor Company, Inc.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this position is to plan production requirements, provide forecasts to key suppliers, source parts and services, and purchase parts and materials (both internally, within HRC shops, and externally via outside suppliers) to support production, development, and race component requirements. This position is a key role that manages the supply chain core functions from planning analysis, part review, supplier bids/negotiations, delivery, and quality assurance support that results in best value to meet critical assembly, development testing, and race team activities.

Key Accountabilities

Production Planning & Purchasing

Analyze production requirements and release purchase orders based on certified Bills of Materials (BOMs).

Develop supplier forecasts and manage long-lead material requirements.

Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and economic order quantities (EOQ).

Maintain accurate purchase orders, supplier records, item master data, pricing, lead times, and revision levels.

Manage inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess inventory.

Coordinate engineering change levels and part supersession activities.

Supplier Management

Monitor supplier performance for on-time delivery, quality, and cost.

Lead supplier meetings to review demand, delivery status, and corrective actions.

Work closely with suppliers, engineering, and quality teams to resolve delivery and quality concerns.

Evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, manufacturing processes, and risk mitigation plans.

Support international procurement activities, including HTS classifications, INCOTERMS, and customs compliance.

Cross-Functional Coordination

Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.

Drive resolution of component delivery, quality, and capacity issues.

Provide timely status updates and communicate risks to stakeholders.

Support procurement team activities during peak workload periods.

Administrative

Maintain purchasing documentation and records.

Complete Material Review Board (MRB) actions in a timely manner.

Attend required meetings and training sessions.

Prepare reports and presentations for management as needed.

Qualifications, Experience, And Skills

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of manufacturing and procurement experience, preferably in a machine shop environment. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, welding, castings, composites, and complex machined components. Experience with supplier sourcing, qualification, audits, performance management, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives. Knowledge of QAV supplier selection, QCDD principles, PPAP, quality assurance methods, MRP systems, and purchasing best practices. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements. Strong negotiation, analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of raw materials, coatings, plating, logistics, customs regulations, and international purchasing practices, including INCOTERMS. Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and purchasing/ERP systems such as Navision or similar platforms. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and all levels of the organization. Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, conflict resolution, and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and drive results.

Decisions Expected

• Part placement to the best valued supplier to HRC (Cost, Quality, Timeliness)
• Communicate the appropriate timing and details for part/supplier issues to management/project
• Manage suppliers, based on established performance metrics

Working Conditions

Physical Demands Requirements

Ability to frequently bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, sit, and walk for extended periods while performing maintenance, repair, and inspection activities. Must be able to work in confined spaces, underneath vehicles and equipment, and lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds. Frequent use of hands and fingers for repetitive tasks related to race vehicle, engine, and equipment maintenance. Ability to work safely around moving machinery, vehicles, electrical systems, chemicals, noise, and other workplace hazards.

Emotional And Cognitive Requirements

Ability to make timely decisions in a fast-paced environment, maintain strong situational and safety awareness, effectively plan and solve problems, adapt to changing priorities, and work collaboratively with others while maintaining professionalism under pressure.