Project Buyer

Why Southco? 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.

The opportunity 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.

Why join us? 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.