Senior Manufacturing Purchasing Project Lead

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. is seeking a Purchasing Project Buyer to lead purchasing initiatives, cost-saving projects, supplier improvements, and program launches across the organization.

The role partners closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Operations and Finance to identify opportunities, develop project plans, drive execution, and deliver measurable results in a fast-paced global manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of direct purchasing experience in manufacturing.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects from concept to implementation.
• Proven cost reduction, supplier management, and negotiations experience.
• Familiar with AIAG Project Management processes and/or structured methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across global teams.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Customer-focused and solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.
• Experience with ERP and manufacturing systems preferred.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Willingness to take ownership of projects and drive them to completion.

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.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Cost reduction

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Excel

ERP experience

Influence without authority

Ownership & accountability

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP software

Job description

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. is seeking a Purchasing Project Buyer to lead purchasing initiatives, cost-saving projects, supplier improvements, and program launches across the organization.

The role partners closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Operations and Finance to identify opportunities, develop project plans, drive execution, and deliver measurable results in a fast-paced global manufacturing environment.