Purchasing Manager in Cedar Springs, Michigan at J-Star Motion Corporation

Purchasing Manager
Cedar Springs, MI
https://www.jstarmotion.com/

Why work for J-Star?
J-Star is a first shift, customer and employee focused, OEM manufacturer of linear actuators and lifting columns located in a beautiful new facility built in 2023. Due to our high standards, our products quickly became globally respected for use in medical and home care equipment. With an annual production capacity of 600,000 actuators - lifting columns and 200,000 control boxes, we have become a leading supplier for companies around the world.

Start Date: ASAP
Pay: Salary; Exempt
Hours: 7:00am – 4:00pm (flexible; needs to meet production structure)
Location: On-Site

Deadline to Apply: July 10, 2026

Position Summary:
The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading procurement and materials inventory operations in a dynamic and growing manufacturing environment. This role ensures the timely, cost-effective, and high-quality sourcing of materials to support production while driving continuous improvement in supply chain performance.

This leader will develop strategic sourcing initiatives, optimize supplier relationships, and implement high quality procurement practices. The ideal candidate brings strong business acumen, negotiation expertise, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to achieve organizational goals related to cost, quality, and delivery.

Essential Responsibilities:
Develop and execute purchasing strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.
Analyze market trends and demand forecasts to guide sourcing decisions.
Identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier consolidation, and process improvements.
Identify, evaluate, and maintain a high-performing supplier base.
Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery terms to maximize value.
Foster strong supplier partnerships to support innovation, reliability, and quality.
Monitor inventory levels and manage purchase orders to prevent shortages or excess.
Align procurement activities with production schedules and operational needs.
Establish planning and control measures to improve on-time delivery and efficiency.
Provide leadership and direction to purchasing and materials functions.
Partner cross-functionally with operations, finance, engineering, and logistics teams.
Support organizational initiatives and global procurement practices.
Track and analyze key procurement metrics (cost, supplier performance, delivery, quality).
Ensure compliance with company policies, contracts, and regulatory standards.
Prepare reports and insights to support strategic decision-making.
Recommend and implement new systems, technologies, and procurement processes.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across purchasing and supply chain functions.
Support new product development and supplier integration efforts.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field (preferred)
5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment

Skills and Competencies
Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and reduce material costs
Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing key stakeholders
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP or similar preferred)

Environmental Conditions:
This job description does not list all duties of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform other duties as needed. The Company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and does not infringe upon the Company’s at will employment status.