Buyer - Battle Creek Area

Buyer | Battle Creek, MI

Salary Range: $54,000 - $81,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in {{role_field}}? The Pivot Group is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in Battle Creek seeking Buyers.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Battle Creek 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

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Negotiate prices, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve cost savings and favorable conditions.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of materials and components.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels to optimize stock and minimize carrying costs while preventing production shortages.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure consistent supply and drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify new products, technologies, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure purchased materials meet quality and specification requirements.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3-5 years of direct purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for procurement functions.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills with a track record of cost savings.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, blueprints, and Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Experience in supplier sourcing, evaluation, development, and performance management.

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, or blueprints.
• Professional certification such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional).
• Advanced data analysis skills for spend analysis and supplier performance tracking.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Buyer, Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Sourcing Specialist, Supply Chain Specialist, Procurement Coordinator, Materials Buyer, Indirect Buyer, Senior Buyer, Junior 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.