Purchase Specialist (Grand Rapids)

Ambient Recruiting is partnered with a growing manufacturing company to identify a Purchasing Specialist to join their Materials team. This role will play an important part in ensuring materials and supplies are available to support efficient production while maintaining strong vendor relationships, quality standards, and cost expectations.

Responsibilities

• Review ERP/MRP systems to understand material requirements across product lines.
• Source and procure materials, components, and services based on production needs.
• Communicate with vendors regarding pricing, availability, quality, and delivery schedules.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders according to established procedures.
• Review bids and negotiate pricing and contracts within established guidelines.
• Monitor vendor performance to ensure quality and delivery expectations are met.
• Maintain accurate procurement, inventory, and vendor records.
• Monitor inventory levels of purchased components to ensure materials are available for production.
• Expedite materials and deliveries as needed to minimize production delays.
• Partner with Quality, Accounting, Production, and other internal teams to resolve material or vendor issues.
• Address defective or unacceptable materials and coordinate corrective action.
• Manage customer and supplier loop pack requirements.
• Approve invoices for payment when requested.
• Support procurement across multiple locations and warehouses from a central location.
• Develop and maintain compliance with applicable industry-specific quality standards.
• Assist with additional projects and duties as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, follow-up, and time management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize competing needs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong vendor management, customer service, and negotiation skills.
• Experience procuring materials for multiple locations or warehouses is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Ambient Recruiting—an entirely employee-owned company—is the largest independent employer in West Michigan. Since 1988, we have connected more than 300,000 professionals with leading employers across the region. Our mission is to match people with meaningful, long-term career opportunities—not just jobs.