At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new products from concept to production with a dynamic cross-functional team.
- Company: Join Southco, a global leader in engineered access solutions with 70 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, work/life balance, and a supportive family-like culture.
- Other info: Connect with passionate colleagues worldwide and grow your career in a thriving environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a success story and make a real impact in innovative product development.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree preferred and 5 years' experience in manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
With over 70 years of engineering excellence and more than 3,000 employees across 20 countries, Southco is a global leader in engineered access solutions — products that you and thousands of others interact with every day. Our locks, latches, fasteners, hinges and handles serve virtually every industry worldwide.
We’re looking for a Project Buyer to join our New Product Development (NPD) team — the critical link between front-end product design and sales, and back-end operations. Working within a cross-functional team of Quality Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers and Product Evaluation specialists, you’ll help drive new products through the APQP process from concept to volume production.
What you’ll do:
- Provide reliable budget and firm cost and delivery proposals from approved supply chain sources to support new business opportunities.
- Manage supplier responses to RFQs, targeting an initial proposal within 24 hours and a firm proposal within three days.
- Negotiate with suppliers to achieve target costs and build genuine long-term partnerships that help Southco win business.
- Take ownership of supplier priming, raising purchase orders and maintaining communication through to volume production handover.
- Ensure the supplier base remains accurate, up to date and capable of meeting current business requirements.
What we’re looking for:
- University degree in an engineering discipline (preferred).
- At least 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to read engineering drawings and interpret tolerances, materials specifications and similar technical data.
- A clear, practical understanding of New Product Introduction requirements for first-tier automotive customers.
- Excellent communicator with a proven track record of gaining supplier commitment to demanding delivery and quality requirements.
Southco employees enjoy an excellent work/life balance, globally competitive compensation, and connections with colleagues from around the world who share the same vision and passion. Being part of the Southco family means being part of a success story that spans almost a century — one still being written by people just like you. At Southco, our employees are at the heart of what we do. We’re a family and strive to maintain our culture.
Project Buyer in Worcester employer: Southco, Inc.
Southco is an exceptional employer that prioritises work/life balance and offers globally competitive compensation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful careers. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a collaborative culture, the Project Buyer role within the New Product Development team provides unique opportunities to engage with cross-functional experts while contributing to innovative engineering solutions. Join a family-oriented company that values your contributions and fosters long-term partnerships in a dynamic global environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Buyer in Worcester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Project Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Southco and understanding their products and values. We want to see your enthusiasm for our engineered access solutions, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with our mission and the specific requirements of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! As a Project Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to build long-term partnerships with suppliers. Bring examples of past negotiations to the table during interviews to highlight your expertise and approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Buyer in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Buyer role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and any relevant engineering qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your skills can help us drive new products through the APQP process. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Project Buyer, excellent communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to negotiate and build relationships with suppliers. Share examples of how you've successfully managed supplier commitments in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the Southco family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southco, Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering knowledge, especially around New Product Introduction and the specifics of the automotive industry. Familiarise yourself with common engineering drawings and tolerances, as this will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Supplier Savvy
Since the role involves negotiating with suppliers, it’s crucial to have a few strategies in mind. Think about how you can build long-term partnerships while still achieving target costs. Prepare examples of past negotiations where you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an excellent communicator, you’ll need to demonstrate this during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated with cross-functional teams in the past. Use specific examples to highlight your ability to gain supplier commitment and manage expectations.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations related to the role. For instance, how would you handle a supplier who is consistently late with deliveries? Think through your responses and be prepared to explain your thought process clearly.
