Buyer, Supply Chain​/Logistics

Great Lakes Energy is looking for a strategic and detail-oriented Buyer to support the procurement of materials, equipment, and services that keep our operations running efficiently and reliably. In this role, you'll build strong supplier partnerships, support sourcing and contract activities, help manage inventory needs, and work closely with teams across the organization to ensure the right resources are available at the right time.

Your efforts will directly support the delivery of safe, reliable electric and broadband services to the communities we serve.

For over 85 years, Great Lakes Energy has powered rural communities across 26 counties in western and northern Michigan. As the third-largest Michigan-based electric utility and the state's largest member-owned power company, we serve over 128,000 meters with pride. Beyond delivering reliable electricity, we are leaders in advanced fiber technology through True stream, our communication solutions subsidiary.

At Great Lakes Energy, we prioritize enriching the lives of our community members and employees. With over 300 team members, we're more than just colleagues, we're a close-knit family, united by a shared vision of growth, innovation, and community service.

As a Buyer, your day may begin by reviewing inventory levels, evaluating purchase requests, and coordinating with internal teams regarding upcoming projects and material needs. You'll analyze demand requirements, monitor supply chain activity, and work proactively to ensure critical materials and equipment are available to support ongoing operations.

Throughout the day, you'll source products and services, evaluate vendor proposals, negotiate pricing and contract terms, and place purchase orders for a variety of utility-related materials. You'll collaborate with suppliers to address delivery schedules, resolve shortages, and maintain strong vendor relationships that support the Cooperative's operational goals.

You'll work closely with engineering, operations, construction, finance, and maintenance teams to understand business needs and develop sourcing strategies that balance quality, reliability, compliance, and cost effectiveness. Whether supporting routine operations, capital projects, or emergency response efforts, you'll play a key role in maintaining service continuity.

Before the day ends, you may analyze procurement data, review supplier performance metrics, update purchasing records, reconcile invoices, or assist with reporting and compliance activities. You might also participate in vendor meetings, industry events, or cross-functional planning discussions focused on continuous improvement and supply chain optimization.

You're a highly organized professional who enjoys solving problems, building relationships, and finding efficient solutions that deliver value to the organization. You understand that successful procurement requires a balance of strategic thinking, strong analytical skills, and effective communication.

You thrive in environments where priorities can shift and where collaboration across departments is essential. Your attention to detail helps ensure accuracy, compliance, and accountability, while your ability to analyze information supports informed purchasing and sourcing decisions.

You take pride in developing productive supplier relationships, negotiating favorable outcomes, and helping teams obtain the resources they need to succeed. Whether you're evaluating vendors, supporting critical projects, or improving procurement processes, you're motivated by creating reliable and cost-effective solutions.

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field, along with at least five years of related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Procurement and Supply Chain
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience with strategic sourcing, purchasing, supplier relationship management, inventory planning, contract administration, and procurement processes. Utility industry experience in electric, gas, water, or telecommunications is preferred.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Experience working with ERP systems, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office/365 applications. Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and present data through reports, dashboards, and other business tools while adapting to emerging workplace technologies.
• Negotiation and Business Acumen: Strong negotiation, contract management, financial analysis, and decision-making skills with the ability to balance operational needs, supplier performance, and cost considerations.
• Communication and Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and collaboration skills with the ability to establish productive relationships with suppliers, contractors, industry partners, and internal stakeholders.

You are valuable to us, and our benefits are here to show it. That's why we put employees first,…