Project Purchasing Buyer

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a Project Purchasing Buyer to coordinate sourcing of components and raw materials for complex metal assemblies. You will manage RFQs, negotiate terms, and issue purchase orders while collaborating with engineering, program management, accounting, and operations.

You will support supplier performance, assess market conditions, and contribute to cost-saving initiatives in a fast-paced environment at the Walker, Michigan location.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 1–3 years of purchasing experience preferred.
• Experience with MS Office and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of ISO 9000 quality requirements is a plus.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, communicate clearly, and analyze cost data.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate RFQs for raw materials and production parts.
• Prepare and analyze commercial bids; negotiate pricing and terms.
• Issue purchase orders in alignment with project milestones.
• Collaborate with engineering, program management, accounting, operations, and quality.
• Develop supplier relationships and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

Who We Are: Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!Who We Want:The Project Purchasing Buyer position is responsible for coordinating the sourcing of component parts and raw materials used in manufacturing of finished good assemblies. The position will be involved in the complete lifecycle of parts from pre-sourcing and product development activities to service requirements and end-of-life winddown.What You’ll Do:Manage several procurement activities and multiple tasks at onceParticipate, under minimum supervision, in broad assignments requiring originality and ingenuityTeam player, detail oriented, structured, and persistentInfluencing and supporting our internal stakeholders with regards to their Procurement needsProvide timely, effective, and efficient status reports on work in progressIssue Request for Quotation (RFQ) for raw material, production parts and tool outsourcingPrepare the commercial bid analysis of proposals receivedNegotiate pricing, payment terms and terms and conditions of purchase with suppliersManagement of contract negotiations with support from the legal and leadership teamIssues Purchase Orders in accordance with schedule constraintsWorks closely with other disciplines, such as engineering, program management, accounting, operations, and quality to meet project requirementsLiaise between suppliers, manufacturers and relevant internal departments and customersLeading and managing relationships with key suppliers throughout the program lifecycleEvaluate cost data and work diligently to identify cost saving opportunitiesMaintains awareness of current and future market conditions and the probable effect on the supply and prices of equipment, materials and/or servicesHelp develop strategic supplier initiatives within the purchase part commodity utilizing the Company’s detailed forecast modelWork collaboratively with Challenge’s finance team to evaluate supplier risk and reduce exposure to the company through diversification of supply chain and analysis of supplier performancePromote transparent communications between supplier and customer regarding manufacturing limitations and/or opportunitiesWhen and Where:This will be a 8AM-5PM M-F position located at our Corporate Office in Walker, MI.What You Need to Have:1-3 years of relevant experience in a similar IndustryGeneral purchasing knowledge with experience in using MS Office and ERP toolsReliable in fulfilling obligations and consistently meets deadlinesExperience in sourcing activities, negotiations, engineering, design and project management related activitiesThis position requires a highly motivated individual with excellent analysis and problem-solving skills, good interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to multi-taskAbility to form and lead cross functional teamsAnalytical skills with ability to capture total economic impact of multiple business alternativesKnowledge of quality system requirements such as ISO 9000Proactive, energetic and ability to handle stressPerform responsibilities with a sense of energy, ownership and personal commitment to the work and the overall work environmentBachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college or universityTool and die purchasing experienceExperience in a project related SCM environmentThis position requires a highly motivated individual with excellent analysis and problem-solving skills, good interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to multi-taskReliable in fulfilling obligations and consistently meets deadlinesEncourages others to be accountable for commitments in their areas of responsibilityAble to effectively communicate at all levels in the organizationCooperative and flexible attitudeAmbition and team spirit required