Buyer - Kalamazoo Area

Buyer | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $53,000 - $80,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and building strong supplier relationships? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Kalamazoo seeking experienced Buyers.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Kalamazoo seeking Buyers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on price, quality, and delivery.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings.
• Generate and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery of materials.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with production to optimize material flow.
• Identify and implement cost reduction strategies without compromising quality.
• Resolve issues related to supplier performance, material quality, and delivery.
• Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to foster long-term partnerships.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3-5 years of direct purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics AX/365).
• Demonstrated strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to understand technical specifications, blueprints, or manufacturing processes.
• Proven track record of cost reduction and supply chain optimization initiatives.

Bonus Qualifications

• Technical understanding of manufacturing processes or materials.
• Experience with advanced ERP/MRP system functionalities for procurement optimization.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• Proficiency in a second language, particularly relevant to international sourcing.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Buyer, Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Sourcing Specialist, Category Buyer, Supply Chain Buyer, Junior Buyer, Senior Buyer, Strategic Buyer, Procurement Coordinator

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.