Buyer – Grand Rapids, MI   DISHER is partnering with a motorcycle manufacturer in Grand Rapids, Michigan to fill their Buyer position. In this role, you will be responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing materials, components, and services required to support production schedules while balancing cost, quality, and delivery. This role works closely with production, engineering, quality, and suppliers to ensure uninterrupted material flow and continuous improvement in procurement performance.   What it’s like to work here: This is a start-up motorcycle manufacturer in Grand Rapids with under 100 employees. The company is customer experience-driven, dedicated to the superior care of both the machine and the wild soul that rides it. They are looking for dedicated people who thrive in a progressive, growing company with a team-oriented environment, committed to steady growth and creating a quality product.

What you will get to do:

Procure raw materials, components, and indirect goods to support manufacturing operations.

Issue, manage, and maintain purchase orders in ERP/MRP systems.

Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, and on-time delivery.

Maintain optimal inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess and obsolete stock.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with new and existing suppliers.

Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms of service to ensure competitive and favorable agreements for the company.

Request supplier quotations and analyze responses for competitive pricing and terms.

Identify and resolve supply chain issues, shortages, and delivery risks.

Support cost-reduction initiatives, supplier consolidation, and sourcing strategies.

Maintain accurate supplier records, pricing, and lead times.

Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and contractual requirements.

Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and timeline requirements.

Collaborate with production planning to align purchasing activity with build schedules

Collaborate with the engineering and production teams to evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, price, delivery performance, and capability.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on purchasing strategies and priorities.

Participate in continuous improvement, kaizen, or lean initiatives

What will make you successful:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience) preferred.
• Certification in Purchasing/Procurement (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) is a plus.
• 5 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, and/or procurement.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and material flow.
• Ability to read bills of materials (BOMs) and engineering drawings.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically under pressure.
• Excellent negotiation skills with a track record of achieving favorable pricing and terms.
• In-depth understanding of procurement processes, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Intuitive), as well as Microsoft Office and Google Sheets is a plus.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.