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Strategic Buyer- Direct Materials NA

Bosch · Lincolnshire, IL · $82,900–$91,000 a year · Full time · Purchasing

Posted Sep 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role drives strategic sourcing for direct materials across North America from Lincolnshire. Walk me through a sourcing initiative you led end to end.

What they are checking: Whether they have owned a sourcing project from strategy through award, because this role needs strategic leadership rather than order placement.

You'd drive improvement in supplier performance across cost, quality and delivery. How do you get a supplier to improve rather than just agree to?

What they are checking: Whether they use data, scorecards and real consequences to drive supplier improvement, because agreement without follow-through changes nothing.

You'd be an integrated member of cross-functional teams with engineering, quality, logistics and operations. How do you make yourself useful to engineering early rather than at quotation time?

What they are checking: Whether they engage engineering during design, because that is where most cost and supplier choices are effectively decided.

What would you do

The posting names identifying and executing localization opportunities, moving from foreign to North American supply. What makes a part a good candidate to localize?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh volume, freight, tariffs and supplier capability in localization decisions, so the move actually lowers cost and risk.

A supplier misses deliveries and the line is at risk. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they act quickly to protect the line while fixing root causes, because supply failures need both containment and lasting correction.

Engineering wants a specific supplier and you have a better commercial option. How do you handle that?

What they are checking: Whether they can present commercial options with data while respecting engineering's technical needs, because good sourcing balances both sides.

About the work

You'd develop commodity strategies aligned to annual savings targets. How do you build a commodity strategy for a material you are new to?

What they are checking: Whether they can research a new commodity's market, suppliers and cost drivers, because savings targets depend on a sound strategy for each material.

Walk me through running a request for quotation so the responses are actually comparable.

What they are checking: Whether they set clear specifications and response formats up front, because only comparable quotes let you make a fair, defensible award.

You'd negotiate pricing and commercial terms with domestic and international suppliers. What do you negotiate besides price?

What they are checking: Whether they negotiate payment terms, lead times, quality and risk too, because the total commercial package matters more than unit price.

You'd evaluate supplier capability, performance and risk to ensure continuity of supply. How do you assess whether a supplier can actually deliver at volume?

What they are checking: Whether they check capacity, quality systems and finances before awarding, because a supplier that cannot scale can shut down a production line.

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The full job description

As published by Bosch.

The Strategic Buyer – Direct Materials (North America) is responsible for driving strategic sourcing initiatives, managing supplier relationships, and leading commercial negotiations across assigned commodities. This role plays a critical part in optimizing cost, quality, and delivery performance while strengthening a competitive and resilient supply base. This position partners closely with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Operations, and serves as an integrated member of the global commodity organization. Key Responsibilities • Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier selection, RFQs, contract negotiation, and cost reduction programs • Develop and implement commodity strategies aligned with business objectives and annual savings targets • Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial terms with domestic and international suppliers • Evaluate supplier capabilities, performance, and risks to ensure quality, reliability, and continuity of supply • Manage end-to-end procurement activities from sourcing through contract execution and delivery • Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance across cost, quality, and delivery metrics • Analyze market trends, cost drivers, and supplier quotations to support data-driven decision making • Identify and execute localization opportunities (transition from foreign to North American sourcing where applicable) • Lead or support annual price negotiations and business planning for assigned commodities • Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve supplier-related escalations (quality, logistics, pricing discrepancies) • Maintain and strengthen supplier relationships to support long-term strategic partnerships • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior buyers, as applicable • Participate in global commodity teams and initiatives, including potential international collaboration or travel Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field • 3+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain roles • Proven experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing commercial relationships • Experience in strategic sourcing and cost savings initiatives within a manufacturing environment • Exposure to direct material purchasing (e.g., metals, castings, hydraulics, components, or similar) • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret pricing structures, cost drivers, and market data • Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Excel Preferred • Experience with commodity management or regional/global sourcing strategies • Familiarity with international supply chains and foreign sourcing • Experience supporting supplier development and localization initiatives • Knowledge of quality and logistics escalation processes The salary range for this position is $82,900 to $91,000 annually based on experience. Indefinite U.S. work authorized individuals only. Future sponsorship for work authorization unavailable. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability / veterans By submitting an application for employment with Bosch, you represent and warrant that: (a) the work product and materials you submit are your own and reflect your personal experience, skills and qualifications; and (b) you have not used artificial intelligence or automated tools to generate, alter, or enhance application materials or responses in a manner that misrepresents your identity, authorship, experience, capabilities or qualifications.

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