Buyer – Traverse City Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Traverse (MI); On-site; USD 57,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Traverse City, MI is seeking skilled Buyers to support manufacturing partners across Michigan. This role focuses on strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and ensuring timely procurement of materials for production.

As part of our network, you’ll engage with manufacturers in the Traverse City area, leveraging ERP/MRP systems and strong negotiation skills to drive cost savings and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with an ERP or MRP system for purchasing and inventory.
• Strong supplier negotiation and cost analysis skills.
• Ability to read bills of materials and basic technical specifications.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets for tracking orders and spend.
• Clear written and verbal communication with internal teams and suppliers.
• 5 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor inventory levels and flag shortages or excess stock.
• Coordinate with engineering and production on material substitutions and specification changes.
• Follow up on late shipments and expedite critical parts as needed.
• Review purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders for production materials and components.
• Track open orders and confirm delivery dates with suppliers to support production schedules.
• Compare supplier quotes and negotiate pricing, lead times, and payment terms.
• Maintain accurate item and vendor records in the ERP system.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and receiving issues with accounting and warehouse staff.

Skills

ERP system usage

Supplier negotiation

Materials reading BOM

Spreadsheets

Communication

Tools

SAP

Tableau

Power BI

Oracle

Job description

Job Description:

Buyer | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $57,000 – $84,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and building strong supplier relationships? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We collaborate with companies in the Traverse City area seeking experienced Buyers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan’s manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Buyer opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Traverse City in Grand Traverse County, within about 45 minutes of the city, including Elk Rapids, Kalkaska, Suttons Bay, and Empire.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing firms in the Traverse City area that seek skilled Buyers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and look for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Usual Responsibilities

• Monitor inventory levels and flag shortages or excess stock.
• Coordinate with engineering and production on material substitutions and specification changes.
• Follow up on late shipments and expedite critical parts as needed.
• Review purchase requisitions and issue purchase orders for production materials and components.
• Track open orders and confirm delivery dates with suppliers to support production schedules.
• Compare supplier quotes and negotiate pricing, lead times, and payment terms.
• Maintain accurate item and vendor records in the ERP system.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and receiving issues with accounting and warehouse staff.

Recommended Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with an ERP or MRP system for purchasing and inventory.
• Strong skills in supplier negotiation and cost analysis.
• Ability to read bills of materials and basic technical specifications.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets for tracking orders and spend.
• Clear written and verbal communication with internal teams and suppliers.
• to 5 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and inventory reduction practices.
• Background in contract review and supplier quality documentation.
• Experience with international suppliers and import logistics.
• APICS or ISM purchasing certification.
• Experience sourcing machined parts, castings, or raw metals.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Inventory Buyer, MRO Buyer, Planner Buyer, Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Materials Buyer, Purchasing Coordinator, Supply Chain Buyer, Commodity Buyer, Sourcing Specialist

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network 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. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

Required Skills:

Resume Data Offers Supply Chain Access Support Cost Savings Lean Manufacturing Savings Operations Raw Materials ERP Visualization Compliance Salary Hiring Partnerships Recruiting Sourcing Purchase Orders Compensation Supply Supply Chain Management Purchasing Components Data Visualization SAP Quality Control Manufacturing Specifications Tableau Power BI Oracle Suppliers Materials Vendors Administration Preparation Engineering Business Management

Salary Package:

$ 57,000.00 – 84,000.00 (US Dollar)