Buyer - Kentwood Area

Buyer | Kentwood, 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 is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Kentwood seeking experienced Buyers.

The Opportunity

We are partnering with organizations in Kentwood that are seeking Buyers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with Pivot Group, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate suppliers for raw materials, components, and MRO items.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings and favorable conditions.
• Generate and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery to support production schedules.
• Monitor supplier performance, quality, and delivery against established KPIs.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to align purchasing with manufacturing needs.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through strategic sourcing and value analysis.
• Mitigate supply chain risks, including material shortages, lead time fluctuations, and price volatility.

Recommended Qualifications

• X+ years of direct purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in interpreting technical specifications, blueprints, and understanding manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated strong negotiation skills and a proven track record of achieving cost savings.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems for purchasing, inventory management, and production planning.
• Ability to effectively source, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems like SAP MM or Oracle SCM
• Fluency in a second language relevant to global supplier regions
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) designation
• Experience with international sourcing and logistics coordination

Job Titles That Should Apply

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