Buyer - Portage Area

Buyer | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $59,000 - $86,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and building strong supplier relationships? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Portage, seeking experienced Buyers to strengthen their teams.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with multiple companies in Portage seeking experienced Buyers. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery capabilities.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve favorable agreements.
• Create and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of materials.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with production to ensure material availability while minimizing excess stock.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to foster long-term partnerships and resolve issues.
• Proactively identify and implement cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or delivery.
• Conduct market research to understand supply chain trends, material availability, and pricing fluctuations.

Recommended Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of direct purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems for procurement processes (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Demonstrated strong negotiation and vendor relationship management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications or blueprints.
• Proven track record of achieving cost savings and supply chain efficiencies.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in a second language relevant to international sourcing.
• Certifications in supply chain management (e.g., CPSM, CSCP) or project management (e.g., PMP).
• Technical understanding of specific manufacturing processes or materials relevant to the industry.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems beyond basic transactional use (e.g., system configuration, reporting).

Job Titles That Should Apply

Buyer, Procurement Specialist, Purchasing Agent, Sourcing Specialist, Category Manager, Purchasing Coordinator, Senior Buyer, Assistant Buyer, Procurement Officer

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.