Purchasing Manager - East Lansing Area

Purchasing Manager | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $77,000 - $117,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for strategic procurement and supplier relationship management? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in East Lansing seeking Purchasing Managers to lead and enhance their operations.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with manufacturing firms in East Lansing that are seeking skilled Purchasing Managers. 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

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing initiatives to secure optimal suppliers and competitive pricing for raw materials and components.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and delivery schedules with vendors to ensure cost-effectiveness and timely material flow.
• Manage and optimize inventory levels for raw materials, WIP, and MRO items to support production while minimizing carrying costs.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure purchased materials meet specifications and quality standards.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including supplier performance, market fluctuations, and geopolitical factors.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, focusing on cost reduction, efficiency, and supplier relationship management.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the purchasing team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous learning.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in purchasing or procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and contract management.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and inventory management software.
• Strong analytical skills for market analysis, cost reduction, and supplier performance evaluation.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a purchasing team.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with ERP/MRP system implementation or optimization projects.
• Proven track record in global sourcing and international vendor management.
• Experience developing and implementing supplier relationship management (SRM) programs.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager, Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Materials Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Commodity Manager, Vendor Manager, Senior Buyer, Director of Procurement

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.