Purchasing Manager | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $77,000 - $117,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for strategic procurement and supplier relationship management? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in East Lansing seeking Purchasing Managers to lead and enhance their operations.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with manufacturing firms in East Lansing that are seeking skilled Purchasing Managers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies to optimize cost and quality.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and contract negotiations.
• Oversee procurement processes to ensure timely acquisition of materials and services.
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality or delivery.
• Collaborate with production and planning departments to forecast material needs and maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations.
• Evaluate new suppliers and materials to enhance supply chain resilience and innovation.

Recommended Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive purchasing experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost reductions.
• Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Infor) for procurement processes.
• Demonstrated understanding of manufacturing supply chains, raw materials, and components.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Proficiency with advanced data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Experience in global sourcing and international logistics
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Fluency in a second language relevant to key international supply markets

Job Titles That Should Apply

Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager, Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Category Manager, Senior Buyer, Materials Manager, 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.