Purchasing Project Leader

**Location: Opelika, Alabama** The Purchasing Project Leader is a hybrid role combining project management discipline with purchasing coordination responsibilities. Reporting to the Purchasing Director and supporting the Euro & Import Division, this position serves as a central point of coordination for cross-functional initiatives that seek to execute sourcing changes in support of material cost reduction, import compliance, and product lifecycle management. This role will lead and coordinate purchasing-related projects including tariff mitigation efforts, new product releases, supplier resourcing and relocations, as well as insourcing in support of cost savings goals. The role will also be responsible for managing end-of-life (EOL) lifecycle management, and other strategic sourcing activities. The Purchasing Project Leader acts as a key liaison between Purchasing, Product Management, Engineering, Operations, and external suppliers to ensure projects are executed on time, within scope, and aligned with business objectives. **Key Responsibilities** **Project Management & Coordination** · Serve as the project manager for purchasing-driven initiatives such as supplier resourcing and relocations, insourcing, and other sourcing and non-sourcing related activities within the Euro & Import Division. · Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables for assigned projects. · Track project progress, identify risks, and proactively drive issue resolution. · Facilitate cross-functional meetings and ensure clear communication among stakeholders. **Purchasing Liaison & Support** · Act as the primary interface between the Purchasing team and cross-functional partners for assigned projects. · Coordinate with buyers to align sourcing strategies, supplier selection, and commercial negotiations with project goals. · Support purchasing leadership with data, reporting, and project status updates. **Tariff Mitigation & Compliance** · Coordinate tariff mitigation projects with commodity buyers, including supplier shifts, alternative sourcing, and cost-impact analysis. · Work with internal teams to evaluate trade, duty, and compliance implications. · Ensure mitigation strategies are executed effectively and tracked for financial impact with emphasis on timely implementation. **New Product Releases (NPR)** · Support new product launches by coordinating purchasing activities, supplier readiness, and timeline alignment. · Ensure sourcing milestones align with engineering, quality, and production requirements. · Track readiness and escalates risks that could impact launch timing or cost. **Cost Savings & Continuous Improvement** · Drive cost savings initiatives in collaboration with buyers and suppliers. · Track and report realized and projected savings. · Support continuous improvement efforts within purchasing processes and project execution. **Lifecycle & EOL Management** · Coordinate end-of-life (EOL) lifecycle activities for products, including supplier communication and inventory planning support. · Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth transitions and minimal business disruption. **Required** **Qualifications:** · Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Project Management, or related field. · 3–5 years of experience in project management, purchasing, supply chain, or related roles. · Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. · Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills. · Strong analytical and organizational abilities. · Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, or similar tools). **Preferred** **Qualifications** · Experience working with international or import-focused supply chains. · Familiarity with tariffs, trade compliance, or global sourcing strategies. · Experience in automotive, performance aftermarket, or manufacturing environments. · Project management certification (PMP, CAPM, or similar) is…