Strategic Project Purchasing Buyer – Cross-Functional

Challenge Mfg. Holdings, Inc.; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing, based in Walker, MI, is seeking a Project Purchasing Buyer to source component parts and raw materials for finished assemblies. You will manage procurement activities, run RFQs, negotiate terms, and collaborate with engineering, program management, accounting, operations, and quality teams to meet project requirements.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years in purchasing, strong MS Office and ERP skills, and a background in supplier negotiations and cost analysis.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of purchasing experience in manufacturing or automotive.
• Experience in sourcing, negotiations and project management.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain or related field.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement activities and multiple tasks.
• Provide timely status updates on procurement progress.
• Team player with attention to detail and persistence.
• Issue RFQs for raw materials, production parts and tooling.
• Prepare commercial bid analyses of supplier proposals.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms and conditions with suppliers.
• Support contract negotiations with legal and leadership teams.
• Raise Purchase Orders in line with project schedules.
• Collaborate with engineering, program management, accounting, operations and quality.
• Liaise between suppliers, manufacturers and internal departments.
• Maintain relationships with key suppliers throughout programs.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and monitor market conditions.
• Work with finance to assess supplier risk and diversification.

Skills

Procurement

RFQ management

Negotiation

Supplier management

Cross-functional collaboration

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

MS Excel

Vendor scorecards

Job description

Challenge Manufacturing, based in Walker, MI, is seeking a Project Purchasing Buyer to source component parts and raw materials for finished assemblies. You will manage procurement activities, run RFQs, negotiate terms, and collaborate with engineering, program management, accounting, operations, and quality teams to meet project requirements.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years in purchasing, strong MS Office and ERP skills, and a background in supplier negotiations and cost analysis.