International Buyer

Position Summary

CVG is seeking a proactive and solutions-oriented International Buyer to support the Wiper Assembly product line at our Michigan City, Indiana manufacturing facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day purchasing activities for wiper assembly components including motors, linkages, blades, arms, fasteners, and related hardware.
• Place, monitor, expedite, and track purchase orders within the ERP/MRP system to ensure on-time delivery.
• Maintain continuous communication with domestic and international suppliers to ensure supply continuity and mitigate disruptions.
• Proactively identify potential material shortages, supplier constraints, and logistics risks before they impact production.
• Cook up expedited shipments, including air freight and other alternative transportation methods when necessary to support customer demand.
• Manage supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and overall reliability.
• Cook up with Production Planning and Materials teams to support demand requirements and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Maintain accurate item master records, supplier lead times, purchasing data, and sourcing information within ERP systems.
• Cook up with Engineering and Quality teams on supplier-related issues, corrective actions, engineering changes, and product launches.
• Support cost savings initiatives, supplier development activities, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in supplier risk assessments and business continuity planning activities.
• Prepare purchasing metrics, supplier updates, and supply chain status reports for plant leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing, procurement, or buying experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting automotive, commercial vehicle, industrial manufacturing, or similar production environments preferred.
• Experience purchasing mechanical or electromechanical components such as motors, assemblies, stampings, linkages, or related products is highly desirable.
• International sourcing or global supplier management experience preferred.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience using ERP/MRP systems such as Plex, SAP, Oracle, QAD, JD Edwards, Epicor, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing supply chains, lead times, and inventory management principles.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and resolving supply chain disruptions.
• Knowledge of international shipping processes, freight coordination, and import logistics.
• Familiarity with ocean freight, air freight, expedited shipments, and freight forwarder coordination.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and purchasing systems.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience sourcing from suppliers located in China, India, Vietnam, or other international markets.
• Exposure to automotive quality systems, including PPAP, APQP, and IATF 16949.
• CPSM, CPM, APICS/CPIM, or related professional certifications.
• Experience supporting long lead-time materials and global supply chains.