Buyer | St. Johns, MI

Salary Range: $55,000 - $82,000 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 St. Johns, 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 working with companies in St. Johns that are adding Buyers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and select suppliers for raw materials and components.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with vendors.
• Monitor inventory levels and place purchase orders to meet production demands.
• Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, cost, and on-time delivery.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through strategic sourcing.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to ensure material availability and specifications.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a Buyer role within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships effectively.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for procurement functions.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on material requirements.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
• APICS certification (e.g., CPIM, CSCP)
• Proven ability to negotiate complex contracts and achieve cost savings
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience with global sourcing and supply chain management

Job Titles That Should Apply

Buyer, Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Sourcing Specialist, 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.