Purchasing Manager | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $84,000 - $124,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for strategic procurement and supplier relationship management? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Kalamazoo seeking experienced Purchasing Managers.

The Opportunity

We are partnering with organizations in Kalamazoo that are seeking Purchasing Managers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with Pivot Group, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies to optimize costs, quality, and delivery for manufacturing operations.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers while managing strong relationships with existing vendors.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost reduction targets.
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for raw materials, components, and MRO items.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality departments to ensure material availability and specifications.
• Monitor market trends, supplier performance, and industry benchmarks to inform purchasing decisions.
• Lead and mentor the purchasing team, fostering continuous improvement in procurement processes.

Recommended Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in purchasing or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in vendor negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship development.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and quality control standards.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and purchasing software.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve cost reductions, optimize inventory levels, and improve supply chain efficiency.
• Experience leading and developing a purchasing or procurement team.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certification.
• Experience with international sourcing and global supply chain management.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Proficiency with advanced data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for spend analysis.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Sourcing Manager, Category Manager, Materials Manager, Senior Buyer, Head of Procurement, Strategic Sourcing Manager

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.