Location: Columbus, Indiana
Department: Purchasing / Supply Chain
Duration: 12 weeks, Start at Anytime
Reports To: Purchasing Manager
Conversion: Potential full-time offer
About NTNNTN Corporation, founded in 1918, is a leading Japanese bearing manufacturer and the world’s third-largest bearing producer, with more than 75 plants worldwide. A trusted OEM supplier to major automotive brands, NTN leads the global OEM wheel hub assembly market, with its products built into vehicles around the world. Its Automotive Center near Detroit supports design, engineering, and program management for North American OEM customers, while its teams continue advancing bearing and constant-velocity-joint technology for electrification, autonomous driving, and next-generation vehicle safety.At NTN’s Columbus, Indiana facility, interns can gain hands-on experience in a dynamic manufacturing environment that supports innovation, quality, Supply chain and operational excellence. The site offers exposure to real-world production processes, continuous improvement initiatives, and teamwork across function giving interns a strong foundation to learn, contribute, and build valuable career skills in a fast-paced automotive industry setting.
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated Purchasing Intern to join our Supply Chain team supporting NTN's automotive manufacturing operations. This internship offers hands-on exposure to strategic sourcing, supplier management, and procurement processes within a fast-paced, globally connected manufacturing environment. You'll work alongside experienced buyers and purchasing manager, gaining real-world experience that could lead to a full-time position after graduation.
Key Responsibilities
Sourcing / Supplier Evaluations
- Assist buyers with sourcing raw materials, components, and MRO (maintenance, repair, operations) supplies
- Support supplier evaluation, onboarding, and performance tracking (quality, cost, delivery)
Maintaining Daily Supply-chain
- Collaborate with production, quality, and logistics teams to ensure material availability
- Support supplier negotiations and contract renewal processes
- Participate in supplier audits or plant visits, where applicable
- Contribute to special projects such as contract negotiation, supplier resourcing, technical cost reduction or process improvement initiatives
Data-driven Management
- Help prepare and analyze RFQs (Request for Quotes) cost break down and bid comparisons
- Track purchase orders and follow up on delivery schedules to prevent production disruptions
- Assist with cost analysis and identify opportunities for cost savings
- Maintain and update supplier databases, contracts, and pricing records
- Assist with data entry and reporting in ERP/procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Operations Management, Engineering, Logistic or Data Analysis related field
- Data analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable working with data in Excel
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Detail-oriented with good organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to work independently with guidance and coaching from the purchasing manager
- Strong motivation to learn and grow within a purchasing/procurement environment
- A genuine passion for negotiation, with an interest in developing persuasion and deal-making skills
- Proactive, curious mindset with a willingness to take initiatives
What You'll Gain
- Real experience at a global leader — NTN is one of the world's largest bearing manufacturers, with a century-long legacy, and you'll see firsthand how strategic sourcing keeps that scale running smoothly
- Exposure to cutting-edge automotive sustainable innovation — NTN is engineering smaller, lighter bearings and CV joints that support electrification, autonomous driving, and advanced safety systems
- Global supply chain perspective — With over 75 plants worldwide spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, you'll see how purchasing decisions ripple across an international manufacturing network
- Mentorship from industry veterans — Work alongside experienced buyers and purchasing manager within a culture built on stability and long-term career growth
- OEM-level exposure — NTN partners directly with major North American OEM customers through its dedicated Automotive Center near Detroit, giving interns visibility into high-stakes, high-volume supplier relationships.
- A genuine path forward — Top-performing interns will be considered for full-time Buyer or Purchasing Analyst roles, joining a team that values people who grow with the company — some NTN employees have built careers spanning decades here.
- A strong learning opportunity — Exposure to Japanese automotive production and quality system excellence, including disciplined quality control, standardized work, continuous improvement(“KAIZEN”), and efficient manufacturing practices. This experience builds a strong start in world-class automotive operations and supports professional growth in a high-performance manufacturing environment.
- A strong foundation in global supply chain operations — With hands-on learning, coaching, and support from an experienced international purchasing manager.
- Cross disciplinary value — Offers students from diverse academic backgrounds the opportunity to develop a secondary competency in supply chain management, regardless of their primary field of study.
Logistics
Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
Application Question(s):
- Do you now, or at any time in the future will you, require sponsorship?
Ability to Commute:
- Columbus, IN 47201 (Required)
Work Location: In person
