Tactical Buyer - Indirect Acquisitions

Tenneco is one of the world’s leading designer, manufacturers and marketers of automotive products for original equipment and aftermarket customers, with approximately 78.000 team members working at more than 300 sites worldwide. Through our four business groups, Motorparts, Ride Performance, Clean Air and Powertrain, Tenneco is driving advancements in global mobility by delivering technology solutions for diversified global markets, including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway, industrial, motorsport and the aftermarket.

The Tactical Buyer will support Corporate HQ by managing all indirect acquisitions, serving as the primary link between internal stakeholders, the corporate purchasing, vendor master data and Finance (AP) process. This role ensures the smooth execution of procurement activities, vendor management, and contract compliance while maintaining high standards of efficiency and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Requirement Analysis and Vendor Identification:
   • Act as the primary point of contact for corporate purchasing needs, handling requests for products or services.
   • Analyze requirements, determine if a vendor exists in the specific SAP vendor catalog, and assess the cost allocation.
   • Coordinate with the Vendor Master Data team to extend existing vendors for relevant company codes or liaise with the Corporate Purchasing team for new vendor sourcing.
2. Vendor Management and Contracting:
   • Facilitate vendor registration in the system for all applicable company codes where invoices will be received.
   • Support Corporate Purchasing in sourcing and negotiating contracts with new vendors. For contracts below threshold levels, draft terms and conditions as required.
   • Ensure all vendor and contract data are accurately updated and approved in the system.
3. Purchase Requisition and Purchase Order Management:
   • Collaborate with requesters/ Exec Assistants and/or HRS (for HR purchasing) to officially release purchase requisitions in SAP.
   • Create purchase orders (POs) and send them to suppliers. For recurring contracts, prepare annual POs with multiple lines as needed.
4. Delivery and Goods Receipt Management:
   • Monitor and follow up with requesters and vendors to ensure the timely delivery of products or services.
   • Confirm receipt of goods or services in SAP through Goods Received (GR) transactions.
5. Invoice Processing and Dispute Resolution:
   • Ensure that invoices are accurately routed to the Accounts Payable (AP) team.
   • Address and resolve disputes, including:
     • Invoices submitted without prior PO release.
     • Vendor registration or payment term discrepancies.
     • Expired contracts requiring renewal.
     • Vendor payment issues or claims.
6. Continuous Improvement:
   • Implement corrective and preventive actions to address recurring issues and enhance the procurement process.
   • Proactively manage vendor relationships to maintain compliance and ensure a seamless procurement experience.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain operations, preferably in a corporate environment.
• Strong knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems and vendor master data management.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and external vendors.

Key Competencies:

• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proactive mindset with a focus on efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Customer service orientation and ability to build strong stakeholder relationships.

We are committed to the safety and health of our employees. We adhere to social distancing recommendations and other protocols, ensuring a safe work environment for all.