Buyer | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $59,000 - $86,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and building strong supplier relationships? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Rockford, seeking experienced Buyers to strengthen their teams.

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 multiple companies in Rockford seeking experienced Buyers. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages supplier relationships and performance, including negotiations and contract management.
• Identifies and evaluates new suppliers and products to optimize cost, quality, and delivery.
• Collaborates with engineering and production to ensure timely procurement of materials and components.
• Analyzes market trends and supplier capabilities to develop and implement sourcing strategies.
• Monitors inventory levels and forecast demand to prevent shortages and minimize carrying costs.
• Resolves issues related to supplier non-conformance, delivery delays, and invoice discrepancies.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in a purchasing or buyer role within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for procurement functions.
• Demonstrated experience with supplier negotiation, contract management, and vendor relationship development.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and material requirements planning (MRP).

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
• APICS CSCP or CPIM certification
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
• Experience negotiating long-term contracts or supplier agreements

Job Titles That Should Apply

Buyer, Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Sourcing Manager, Procurement Officer, Junior Buyer, Senior Buyer, Category Buyer, Strategic Buyer, Supply Chain 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.