Buyer - Kentwood Area

Buyer - Kentwood Area

Buyer | Kentwood, MI

Salary Range: $57,000 - $84,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and building strong supplier relationships? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Kentwood seeking experienced Buyers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region The Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

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 The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages the end-to-end procurement process for raw materials, components, and MRO supplies.
• Negotiates pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve cost savings and favorable terms.
• Develops and maintains strong supplier relationships, conducting regular performance reviews and audits.
• Collaborates with production and engineering teams to forecast material needs and optimize inventory levels.
• Identifies and evaluates new suppliers to diversify the supply base and mitigate risks.
• Ensures compliance with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements in all purchasing activities.
• Analyzes market trends and supplier capabilities to inform sourcing strategies and achieve best value.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a purchasing or buyer role within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships effectively.
• Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems and their application in procurement processes.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic sourcing and cost reduction initiatives.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) for procurement and inventory management.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex contracts and build strong supplier relationships.
• Certification in supply chain management (e.g., CSCP, CPIM, CPSM).
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and their application in the supply chain.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) to identify trends and optimize purchasing strategies.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, Junior Buyer, Senior Buyer, Category Manager, Materials Manager, Contract Negotiator, Purchasing Manager

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network 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. Learn more at

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 at The Pivot Group Network 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.