Associate Manager, Procurement

Job Overview

The Associate Procurement Manager – Cost Management supports the execution of strategic cost management initiatives across assigned product categories within a multi‑billion‑dollar global supplier network.

This role is responsible for managing cost management pipeline of assigned categories, supporting supplier negotiations, developing cost models and performing should-cost analysis. This position partners closely with Category Management, Engineering, Sourcing, and Pricing teams to deliver year-over-year cost improvements aligned with enterprise objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Category-Level Cost Management

• Support end‑to‑end cost management across assigned categories within a global supplier network.
• Protect and Improve category level cost position by actively managing cost management pipeline.
• Identify and validate cost reduction opportunities aligned with annual cost-out targets.
• Monitor cost performance against budget and escalate risks, variances, or supply impacts as needed.

2. Negotiation & Supplier Engagement

• Prepare data-driven negotiation packages, cost baselines, and scenario analyses.
• Conduct structured, fact-based supplier negotiations to achieve optimal cost outcomes.
• Collaborate with Category and Sourcing teams to align negotiation strategies with broader procurement objectives.
• Analyze total cost of ownership (TCO), including logistics, duties, packaging, and overhead.
• Support RFQ and tender processes by establishing cost benchmarks.

3. Cost Modeling & Should-Cost Analysis

• Develop and maintain detailed cost models to analyze and forecast product cost changes
• Conduct should-cost analysis and support product teardown reviews in partnership with Engineering.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering to understand cost drivers and manufacturing inputs.
• Support Category Managers with cost insights that inform sourcing strategy.
• Provide reporting and dashboards for cost management initiatives.
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives focused on inflation management and continuous cost improvement.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 3–6 years of experience in procurement, cost management, sourcing or manufacturing cost analysis.
• Experience supporting supplier negotiations and cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong financial acumen and advanced Excel modeling.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, product cost drivers, and supply chain dynamics.
• Strong analytical and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive or manufacturing industry experience.
• Exposure to global commodity markets and cost indices.
• Experience with BI tools, ERP systems, or cost modeling platforms.
• MBA or advanced certification a plus (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma).

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GPC conducts its business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. GPC's policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons.