Buyer - Kalamazoo Area

Salary Range: $53,000 - $80,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and building strong supplier relationships? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Kalamazoo seeking experienced Buyers.

We partner with manufacturers across Kalamazoo seeking Buyers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

• Source, evaluate, and select new suppliers for raw materials, components, and MRO items.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve cost savings and favorable conditions.
• Generate and manage purchase orders (POs) to ensure timely procurement of necessary goods.
• Monitor supplier performance on quality, delivery, and cost-effectiveness, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with production and planning teams to forecast material requirements and maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities without compromising quality or supply chain reliability.
• Resolve discrepancies with invoices, damaged goods, or late deliveries in coordination with suppliers and internal teams.

• Direct experience in purchasing/procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for purchasing functions.
• Proven negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, lead times, and supply chain principles.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, blueprints, or engineering drawings.

• Understanding of technical drawings or manufacturing processes relevant to the industry.
• Experience applying Lean manufacturing principles or continuous improvement methodologies in a supply chain context.
• Proven ability to develop supplier relationships and drive performance improvements.
• Experience leading procurement-related projects, such as new product introduction (NPI) or cost reduction initiatives.
• Proficiency with advanced features of ERP systems (e.g., SAP MM, Oracle SCM) or procurement analytics tools.

Buyer, Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Sourcing Specialist, Materials Buyer, Supply Chain Buyer, Category Buyer, Strategic Buyer

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.