Purchasing Manager - Rockford Area

Salary Range: $85,000 - $125,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for strategic procurement and supplier relationship management? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Rockford seeking experienced Purchasing Managers.

We are working with companies in Rockford that are adding Purchasing Managers 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.

• Develop and implement strategic purchasing initiatives to optimize costs and ensure supply chain efficiency.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and quality standards for raw materials and components.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to expand the vendor base and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to forecast material needs and ensure timely delivery of essential goods.
• Monitor supplier performance against KPIs, address non-conformances, and drive continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead and mentor the purchasing team, fostering professional development and adherence to best practices.
• Analyze market trends and material costs to inform purchasing decisions and identify cost-saving opportunities.

• 5+ years of progressive experience in purchasing or supply chain management, with at least 2 years in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in strategic sourcing, vendor negotiation, contract management, and cost reduction strategies.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement software.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, lean principles, and inventory optimization techniques.

• Advanced proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, particularly implementation or optimization experience.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies.
• Experience with international sourcing, logistics, and customs compliance.
• Professional certification (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) in supply chain management or purchasing.
• Proficiency in data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for spend analysis and forecasting.

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

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.