Strategic Purchasing Project Lead

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.; Illinois; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc (CVG) is seeking a Purchasing Project Buyer with 10+ years of direct purchasing experience in manufacturing. You will lead cost-reduction initiatives, manage supplier performance, and drive cross-functional projects with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to deliver measurable savings.

This role requires strong analytical and project-management skills, ability to influence teams without direct authority, and experience with ERP systems.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of direct purchasing experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• 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.

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.

Job description

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc (CVG) is seeking a Purchasing Project Buyer with 10+ years of direct purchasing experience in manufacturing. You will lead cost-reduction initiatives, manage supplier performance, and drive cross-functional projects with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to deliver measurable savings.

This role requires strong analytical and project-management skills, ability to influence teams without direct authority, and experience with ERP systems.