Strategic Sourcing Analyst IV - Axles & Transmissions at Dtna

Inside the Role

The DTNA Procurement & Supply Department (TT/G4) is a high paced, high energy team responsible for Strategic Sourcing decisions and supporting the optimization of supplier performance on the basis of cost, quality and delivery. As a truly global organization, Daimler Trucks Procurement organization offers exciting opportunities to work and grow in diverse, multi-regional, international teams while applying your entrepreneurial, technical and analytical skills. If this environment sounds interesting, please consider the following job requirements.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

What You Drive

The Senior Buyer is accountable for the strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and execution of procurement strategies for Axles, Transmissions, and Drivelines with an annual managed portfolio exceeding $1.3B. This role drives DTNA’s competitive advantage by securing world-class supplier programs, ensuring supply continuity, and delivering cost leadership, all while engaging with cross-functional and global teams to achieve long-term business goals.

Main Objectives:

• Develop and execute long-term strategic sourcing strategies for Axle, Transmission, and Driveline commodity groups, ensuring DTNA’s competitive differentiation in cost, quality, technology, and delivery.

• Lead high-value contract negotiations to secure optimal commercial terms and exclusive supplier programs that strengthen DTNA’s market position in powertrain systems.

• Establish and manage strategic supplier partnerships, fostering innovation and performance that support DTNA’s long-term growth objectives.

• Serve as procurement lead on major new product programs involving non-captive Axle, Transmission, or Driveline systems; drive alignment of sourcing deliverables to program milestones.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product strategy, and manufacturing teams to control and minimize cost impacts related to design and technical changes.

• Prepare and deliver comprehensive powertrain sourcing strategies to executive leadership, providing clear recommendations supported by market intelligence, cost analysis, and risk assessment.

• Align with global procurement colleagues to create and implement multi-year commodity roadmaps, leveraging economies of scale, regional expertise, and supplier synergies.

• Proactively evaluate emerging technologies, alternative materials, and new suppliers to strengthen DTNA’s supply base and advance product innovation.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to meet or exceed annual cost reduction targets while safeguarding quality and supply assurance.

• Utilize global business systems to monitor sourcing performance, track key KPIs, and report execution progress toward strategic objectives.

• Act as a senior team resource and mentor, modeling leadership behaviors, guiding colleagues on complex negotiations, and contributing to a high-performance procurement culture.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field

• 5-7 years of relevant experience

• Ability to negotiate highly technical complex legal agreements and manage supplier relationships.

• Project management skills with experience working in a cross-functional project environment.

• Strong leadership and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams.

• MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) proficiency and ability to multi-task.

• Ability to gain in a timely manner specialized knowledge of own area of responsibility.

• Ability to lead cross-functional programs and projects of notable risk, resource requirements and/or complexity.

• Skill to serve as a guide for others in area of expertise.

• Ability to act as an advisor to management and key stakeholders (internal/external) on broad ranging projects.

• Ability to use experience to contribute to procurement standards in which others will operate.

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Knowledge of key procurement and negotiation principles

• Fluent in DTNA procurement systems and processes

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-

Portland, OR US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

• This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.

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