Purchasing Project Buyer

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.; Tennessee; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Purchasing Project Buyer to lead strategic purchasing initiatives across the organization.

You will drive cost reduction, supplier improvements, and program launches while partnering with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to turn opportunities into measurable results. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in manufacturing purchasing, strong analytical and project management skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a

Qualifications

• 10+ years of direct purchasing experience in manufacturing.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects from concept to implementation.
• Proven cost reduction, supplier management, negotiations and sourcing.
• Familiarity with AIAG project management processes.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across global teams.
• Microsoft Excel proficiency; ERP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead purchasing projects focused on cost reduction, supplier performance, logistics, quality, and improvements.
• Analyze spend, cost data, market conditions, supplier risks, and opportunities.
• Develop plans with milestones, assign responsibilities, monitor progress to completion.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement projects.
• Support Commodity Managers with negotiations and problem-solving.
• Present business cases and status updates to leadership.
• Track progress, risks, actions, and results to management.
• Coordinate project teams to ensure execution.
• Support tactical purchasing activities like supplier setup and pricing updates.
• Participate in negotiations, bid evaluations, and policy development.
• Review orders, contracts, and supplier documentation for compliance.
• Contribute to specifications for equipment, products, materials, and sources.
• Prepare bid recommendations for management approval.
• Ensure documentation is accessible and communicated to stakeholders.
• Support program launches across CVG locations.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives as required.
• Serve as informal team leader to achieve objectives.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Cost analysis

Negotiation

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Excel

ERP systems

Influence without authority

Ownership mindset

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

The Purchasing Project Buyer is responsible for leading purchasing initiatives, cost-saving projects, supplier-related improvements, and program launches across the organization. This role partners closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Operations, Finance, and suppliers to identify opportunities, develop project plans, drive execution, and deliver measurable results.

The ideal candidate has strong purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, excellent analytical and project management skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a fast-paced global organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead purchasing projects and initiatives focused on cost reduction, supplier performance, logistics, quality, and operational improvements.
• Analyze purchasing spend, cost data, market conditions, supplier risks, and other business information to identify improvement and savings opportunities.
• Develop project plans, define milestones and target outcomes, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress through completion.
• Partner with Purchasing, Engineering, Operations, Finance, and other functional teams to implement approved projects.
• Support Commodity Managers with purchasing initiatives, supplier issues, negotiations, and problem-solving activities.
• Present business cases, savings opportunities, project status, and implementation plans to Purchasing and Operations leadership.
• Track and communicate project progress, risks, actions, and results to management and stakeholders.
• Coordinate project teams and provide direction to team members as needed to ensure successful execution.
• Support tactical purchasing activities, including supplier setup, pricing changes, cost increases/decreases, supplier delivery escalations, and annual pricing updates.
• Participate in supplier negotiations, contract reviews, bid evaluations, and purchasing policy development.
• Review purchase orders, supplier claims, contracts, and related documentation for compliance with company policies and requirements.
• Participate in the development and review of specifications for equipment, products, materials, and alternative sources.
• Prepare bid recommendations and supporting analysis for Purchasing Management approval.
• Ensure project documentation, findings, and implementation plans are accurate, accessible, and communicated to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Support program launches and implementation of approved purchasing initiatives across applicable CVG locations.
• Participate in special projects and cross-functional initiatives as required.
• Serve as an informal team leader when needed to support organizational priorities and achieve project objectives.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of direct purchasing experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects and purchasing initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Experience with cost reduction, supplier management, negotiations, sourcing, or purchasing projects.
• Experience with AIAG Project Management processes and/or structured project management methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across multiple levels of a global organization.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently and meet deadlines.
• Customer-focused and solution-oriented approach, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and changing manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Experience with ERP and manufacturing systems preferred.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Willingness and ability to take ownership of projects and drive them to completion.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Purchasing
• Project Management
• Cost Analysis & Cost Reduction
• Supplier Management
• Negotiation & Contract Management
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Data Analysis & Problem Solving
• Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Execution & Accountability

CVG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc (CVG) is an equal employment opportunity employer such that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Visa Sponsorship

At this time, we are not providing sponsorship for this role. Applicants must be authorized to work in the country of the job posting location on a full-time basis.