Buyer | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $56,000 - $83,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and building strong supplier relationships? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Plainwell seeking experienced Buyers.

The Opportunity

We are working with companies in Plainwell that are adding Buyers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and establish relationships with qualified suppliers for raw materials, components, and MRO.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with vendors to achieve cost savings and favorable conditions.
• Generate and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery of materials.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with production to ensure material availability while minimizing excess stock.
• Analyze market trends, supplier performance, and internal needs to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.
• Ensure all purchased materials and services comply with quality standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Resolve supply chain issues, including delivery discrepancies, quality concerns, and invoicing problems.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3-5 years of direct purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for procurement functions.
• Demonstrated strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Solid understanding of supply chain principles, inventory management, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to analyze market data, cost drivers, and supplier performance.

Bonus Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency with ERP/MRP systems beyond standard user functions (e.g., SAP MM, Oracle SCM, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or demonstrated experience applying Lean principles in a purchasing context.
• Experience with international sourcing, logistics, and import/export compliance.
• Technical understanding of manufacturing processes, raw materials, or specific components relevant to the industry.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Buyer, Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Sourcing Specialist, Senior Buyer, Junior Buyer, Category Buyer, Purchasing 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.