Buyer | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $60,000 - $87,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and building strong supplier relationships? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Traverse City seeking skilled Buyers.

The Opportunity

We are working with companies in Traverse City 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

• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to optimize cost and quality.
• Source and evaluate new suppliers to expand the supply base and ensure material availability.
• Manage purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery of materials to meet production schedules.
• Monitor supplier performance on quality, delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to forecast material needs and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Resolve supply chain issues, including material shortages, quality discrepancies, and delivery delays.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier information within the ERP system.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Buyer or Purchasing Agent in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for purchasing and inventory management.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to read and understand technical specifications and engineering drawings.
• Demonstrated ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supply chain efficiency.

Bonus Qualifications

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings or material specifications.
• Professional certification such as CPSM or CPIM.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for spend analysis.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Buyer, Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Sourcing Specialist, Purchaser, Procurement Coordinator, Strategic Buyer, Junior Buyer, Senior Buyer, Materials Buyer, Category 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.