Buyer - Grand Rapids Area

Buyer | Grand Rapids, MI

Salary Range: $58,000 - $85,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and building strong supplier relationships? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Grand Rapids seeking skilled Buyers.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with manufacturing firms in Grand Rapids 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 contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings.
• Identify, evaluate, and select qualified suppliers for raw materials and components.
• Create and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery of materials.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with production to optimize stock.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams on material specifications and standards.
• Proactively identify and implement cost reduction opportunities without compromising quality.
• Mitigate supply chain risks and resolve supplier performance issues.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3-5 years of direct purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems for procurement and inventory management.
• Demonstrated strong negotiation and vendor relationship management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, blueprints, or engineering drawings.
• Solid understanding of supply chain principles, logistics, and inventory control.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with specific ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience in international sourcing and logistics
• Knowledge of specific manufacturing processes or commodity markets (e.g., metals, plastics, electronics)

Job Titles That Should Apply

Buyer, Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Sourcing Specialist, Procurement Buyer, Supply Chain Buyer, Category Buyer, Materials Buyer

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.