Buyer | Newaygo, MI

Salary Range: $62,000 - $89,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and building strong supplier relationships? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Newaygo seeking experienced Buyers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with manufacturing firms in Newaygo that are seeking skilled Buyers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to optimize cost and quality.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure supply chain stability and foster innovation.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, delivery, and cost metrics, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to define material specifications and ensure alignment with manufacturing requirements.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers to mitigate risks, introduce new technologies, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
• Manage inventory levels to minimize carrying costs while ensuring material availability to support production schedules.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a purchasing or buyer role within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven negotiation skills and experience with supplier relationship management.
• Strong understanding of ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement best practices.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Plex)
• APICS CSCP or CPIM certification
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and practices
• Project management experience
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications

Job Titles That Should Apply

Buyer, Procurement Specialist, Purchasing Agent, Sourcing Specialist, Supply Chain Analyst, Category Manager, Junior Buyer, Senior Buyer, Retail Buyer, E-commerce Buyer

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.