Buyer - Traverse Area

Salary Range: $60,000 - $87,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and building strong supplier relationships? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Traverse City seeking skilled Buyers.

We are working with companies in Traverse City that are adding Buyers 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.

• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers.
• Source and evaluate new suppliers for raw materials, components, and MRO items.
• Place purchase orders and manage delivery schedules to meet production demands.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate on forecasting to optimize stock.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Identify and implement cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Ensure purchased materials and services meet quality standards and specifications.

• Minimum 2-5 years of direct purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems for procurement and inventory management.
• Demonstrated negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles and logistics.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications or blueprints.

• Certification in supply chain management (e.g., CPSM, CSCP).
• Proficiency in data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for spend analysis.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• Experience with advanced ERP functionalities beyond transactional use.
• Technical aptitude to understand manufacturing processes or component specifications.

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