Purchasing Area Leader

CJ Search Group; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Search Group is seeking a Purchasing Area Leader in Bowling Green, KY to direct and mentor a team of 3–4 buyers, while hands-on supporting daily procurement, supplier development, and issue resolution.

You will lead negotiations, contract sourcing, and cost-reduction initiatives, using SAP to track POs, analyze metrics, and align inventory. A background in automotive manufacturing and proven leadership are required for this senior, on-site role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience in manufacturing.
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading purchasing personnel.
• Proven experience as a functional buyer in the automotive manufacturing sector.
• Proficient with SAP ERP purchasing modules.
• Strong track record in supplier negotiation and cost reduction strategies.

Responsibilities

• Direct, lead, and mentor a team of 3 to 4 buyers in daily procurement operations.
• Step in operationally to support buying activities, supplier development, and issue resolution.
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract sourcing, and cost reduction (VA/VE) strategies.
• Utilize SAP ERP systems to track purchase orders, analyze procurement metrics, and maintain inventory alignment.
• Evaluate supplier performance, quality, delivery metrics, and pricing structures.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Procurement

Hands-on experience

Education

Advanced degree in Supply Chain/Business

CSCP or CPIM certification

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

**Purchasing Area LeaderLocation:** Bowling Green, KYPosition OverviewA major automotive manufacturing organization in Bowling Green, KY, is seeking a Purchasing Area Leader to oversee and support a team of 3 to 4 buyers. This role requires a hands-on leader who possesses deep tactical buyer experience along with leadership capability, driving strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and cost optimization initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesDirect, lead, and mentor a team of 3 to 4 buyers in daily procurement operations.Step in operationally to support buying activities, supplier development, and issue resolution.Lead supplier negotiations, contract sourcing, and cost reduction (VA/VE) strategies.Utilize SAP ERP systems to track purchase orders, analyze procurement metrics, and maintain inventory alignment.Evaluate supplier performance, quality, delivery metrics, and pricing structures.Required QualificationsMinimum 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience in manufacturing.Minimum 3 years of experience leading, supervising, or managing purchasing personnel.Proven experience as a functional buyer in the automotive manufacturing sector.Proficient with SAP ERP purchasing modules.Strong track record in supplier negotiation and cost reduction strategies.Preferred QualificationsExperience in raw material or metal stamping procurement.Advanced degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related technical discipline.Formal certification in supply chain management (CSCP, CPIM).Disclaimer:** By submitting your application for this position, you are agreeing to receive communication from Cannon Jeffries Search Group, which may include calls, texts, and emails. You have the option to unsubscribe from email communications or remove yourself from SMS messaging by replying “STOP” at any time.*You should be proficient in:Leadership / People ManagementERP & MRP SystemsSourcing and Procurement ExperienceSAPstrategic purchasingMachines & technologies you'll use:ERP SoftwareSAP