Temporary Buyer Support Specialist

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialized Recruiting Group, an Express Employment Professionals Company in Grand Rapids, MI, seeks a proactive Temporary Buyer to manage purchasing, vendor relationships, and inventory to support multiple departments including manufacturing, engineering, and service.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years of manufacturing purchasing experience, ERP proficiency (SAP/ACC PAC), and a proven ability to achieve cost savings while maintaining accurate data in SAP.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred; high school diploma required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a buyer in manufacturing/industrial environment.
• CPSM certification preferred.
• Proven track record of achieving cost savings and vendor performance improvements.
• Strong computer skills including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ERP systems (ACCPAC or SAP preferred).
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in inventory control and purchase order processing.
• Mechanical aptitude is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop vendor relationships for direct parts and indirect supplies.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings.
• Research vendor options based on price, quality, and service; advise Director of Operations.
• Organize supplier/vendor events and maintain approved vendor lists.
• Collaborate with Director of Operations on HTS codes, NAFTA documentation, part COO, weights, and dimensions.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels in partnership with the Stockroom Manager and Engineering.
• Expedite open and past-due purchase orders.
• Process and track purchase orders using ERP systems.
• Compile and analyze data in SAP to monitor OTD and PPV.
• Maintain purchasing reports and documentation (PO logs, vendor surveys).
• Support logistics and shipping needs across departments as needed.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Service, and Engineering teams on supply chain support.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Operations.

Skills

Vendor management

ERP systems

Inventory control

Negotiation

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

High school diploma required

CPSM certification preferred

Tools

SAP

ACCPAC

MS Office

Job description

Temporary Buyer Job Summary

A leading industrial product manufacturing company is seeking an experienced and proactive Buyer to manage purchasing activities, vendor relationships, inventory control, and price negotiations. This short-term full-time role supports multiple departments including manufacturing, engineering, and service, ensuring that materials and supplies are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively, and in line with operational requirements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, data-driven, and confident in working with ERP systems and supplier networks.

Temporary Buyer Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop vendor relationships for both direct parts and indirect supplies (e.g., office materials, manufacturing tools)


• Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings and support company KPIs


• Research vendor options based on price, quality, and service; make recommendations to the Director of Operations


• Organize supplier/vendor events and maintain approved vendor lists


• Collaborate with Director of Operations on matters involving HTS codes, NAFTA documentation, part COO, weights, and dimensions


• Maintain optimal inventory levels in partnership with the Stockroom Manager and Engineering


• Expedite open and past-due purchase orders


• Process and track purchase orders using ERP systems


• Compile and analyze data in SAP to monitor metrics such as On-Time Delivery (OTD) and Purchase Price Variance (PPV)


• Maintain purchasing reports and documentation (e.g., PO logs, vendor surveys)


• Support logistics and shipping needs across departments as needed


• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Service, and Engineering teams on supply chain support


• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Operations

Schedule & Pay

Full-time, Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:30pm Pay: $24-$26/HR, BOE

Temporary Buyer Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred; high school diploma required


• Minimum of2 years of experience as a buyer or junior buyer in a manufacturing or industrial environment


• CPSM certification preferred


• Proven track record of achieving cost savings and vendor performance improvements


• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint


• Experience with ERP systems (ACCPAC or SAP preferred)


• Strong organizational and analytical skills


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Professional appearance and demeanor


• Experience in inventory control and purchase order processing


• Mechanical aptitude is a plus


• Knowledge of vendor negotiation, sourcing, and compliance practices

Location

Grand Rapids, MI

Position Type

Full-Time,Temporary Assignment

About Specialized Recruiting Group, an Express Employment Professionals Company

Specialized Recruiting Group is a professional and executive search firm specializing in engineering, operations, human resources, and other critical roles. Since 1996, we've connected talented professionals with companies that align with their values and goals. We are driven to help people succeed and are passionate about making a positive impact.