Buyer/Supply Chain manager

We are seeking an experienced Buyer / Supply Chain Manager to join a growing manufacturing operation in Sterling Heights, MI. This is a direct-hire opportunity for a hands-on supply chain professional who can manage purchasing, supplier relationships, inventory, production requirements, and overall material flow.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in manufacturing procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier management, MRP/ERP systems, inventory control, and supply chain planning. This role will work closely with operations, production, quality, engineering, and leadership to ensure materials are available when needed while controlling costs and maintaining supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily purchasing and material planning activities to support production schedules and customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Issue purchase orders, manage order confirmations, and monitor supplier delivery performance.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and other purchasing agreements.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and process improvements.
• Monitor inventory levels, material requirements, safety stock, and purchasing needs.
• Work closely with production and operations teams to prevent material shortages and production disruptions.
• Analyze MRP/ERP requirements and convert demand into effective purchasing plans.
• Track and resolve late deliveries, quality issues, shortages, and supplier discrepancies.
• Develop and maintain supplier performance metrics, including cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Support supplier selection, qualification, development, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with Quality regarding supplier corrective actions and incoming material concerns.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing, lead times, and supplier information within the ERP system.
• Review and manage inventory levels to minimize excess and obsolete materials while maintaining production continuity.
• Assist with forecasting, capacity planning, and long-term supply chain strategy.
• Identify supply chain risks and develop contingency plans for critical materials and suppliers.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams on new programs, engineering changes, and sourcing requirements.
• Establish and improve purchasing procedures, policies, and best practices.
• Provide reporting and analysis to management regarding purchasing activity, inventory, supplier performance, and cost savings.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement, inventory, and material flow.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Purchasing, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP, ERP, purchasing, inventory management, and production planning.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and material requirements.
• Experience with supplier performance management and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to read and analyze purchasing, inventory, production, and supplier data.
• ERP/MRP experience required; experience with manufacturing-specific systems is highly preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Automotive manufacturing or Tier 1/Tier 2 supplier experience.
• Experience with steel, aluminum, stamping, hydroforming, fabricated components, or metal manufacturing.
• Experience with PPAP, APQP, supplier quality, and automotive supply chain requirements.
• Strategic sourcing and supplier development experience.
• Experience managing domestic and international suppliers.
• Experience leading purchasing or supply chain teams.