August 01, 2024
Jaenelle Saif is a Plastic Commodity Buyer for Direct Purchasing at Cooper Standard. She has worked for Cooper Standard for just over a year as a young professional in her career.
Learn more about her journey by reading a Q&A interview with her below:
I’m excited to share my journey with you! I graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Business in integrated supply management, which has been the foundation of my career path. I’ve had the opportunity to learn in different roles throughout my professional career, including in business planning, as a financial analyst, and now in the world of purchasing.
My day is split between administrative and buyer tasks, which keeps the day interesting with some structure and interactive tasks. The administrative work includes capturing the latest quotations, negotiations, or updating purchase orders for customers. Buyer tasks range from supplier negotiations to developing a strategy for future program components.
I started my journey as a Sealing Program Launch Buyer for specific automotive customers. My objective was to source all Sealing purchase components required for my customer programs. Currently, as a Plastic Commodity buyer, I source plastic components exclusively for both Sealing and Fluids programs. This is an exciting opportunity following my previous role because it allows for commodity expertise. Every day brings a dynamic, fast-paced environment filled with endless opportunities to negotiate and look for cost improvements.
The environment is warm, approachable, and team driven – all groups truly work together to ensure the company’s success. Cooper Standard is unique. It’s the first place where I honestly feel empowered and supported to excel in my role.
If you’re looking for a job that motivates, challenges, and transforms your skills and experience, this is the company you want to apply to!
I discovered Cooper Standard on my way driving home one day. You can’t miss the beautiful, world headquarters building in Northville, Michigan! At first, I hesitated to apply because I told myself I needed more experience to be considered. Later, I silenced my voice of internal doubt and applied, which opened the door to my current role.
My advice would be don’t wait. If you see an opportunity in the metro-Detroit area, take a hold of it! Have faith in yourself.
My best advice would be – embrace risk, strive for growth, and cultivate happiness in and outside of work. As they say, where passion meets purpose, joy is limitless!
Outside of work, my days are spent figure skating, riding my Peloton, and studying French. I strive in activities where I can express myself and embrace my creativity. For the days I am less motivated, I enjoy power walks embracing the seasons of Michigan weather.
Yes, I may be biased, but I personally believe Michigan is one of the best places to be. It offers a blend of natural beauty, vibrant cities, diverse cultural experiences, and a strong sense of community. As I searched for opportunities, I looked for positions in cities that I wanted to explore.
When searching for a role, I think the best approach is to target a position that you are interested in, even if you don’t have the exact criteria but believe you can deliver excellence. It is the opposite of what you would be inclined to do, but is the most advantageous way to develop yourself. You get a chance to challenge yourself, while staying curious and motivated, ultimately leading to the mastery of growing your skills. The hardest part is fighting that internal voice of doubt that stands between you and a future position that will make you happy.
Register for the event here.
