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Buyer Trainee Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

AK Steel

Manager Trainee

Pontiac, MI

Pontiac, MI Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is one of North America's premier processors, buyers,sellersand recyclers of scrap metals of all kinds and is a key supplier to the metals industry of ...

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

Manager Trainee

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Pontiac, MI Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is one of North America's premier processors, buyers, sellers and recyclers of scrap metals of all kinds and is a key supplier to the metals industry ...

Valeo

Purchasing Intern (Year-Round)

Troy, MI

$17 - $23/hr

Work with Project buyers to secure material for Design Validation and Project Validation build ... Purchasing Trainee/Apprentice/VIE Organization: Productivity Purchasing Schedule: Full time ...

PLACE

Real Estate Agent Trainee

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$75K - $140K/yr

Consult with buyers, convert with signed buyer agreements and identify homes * Negotiate offers on behalf of your sellers and buyers * Track tasks and activities in PLACE Technology * Conduct open ...

Tractor Supply Company

Store Manager

Benzonia, MI · On-site

Overall Job Summary The Manager Trainee is responsible for learning the duties of the Store Manager ... Learn how to work with the buyers, supply chain management, district managers, and distribution ...

Tractor Supply Company

Store Manager

Benzonia, MI · On-site

Overall Job Summary The Manager Trainee is responsible for learning the duties of the Store Manager ... Learn how to work with the buyers, supply chain management, district managers, and distribution ...

padnos

Coach in Training

Center Line, MI · On-site

Overview This position is designed for management trainees and responsible for leadership ... Train future and present scale buyers. * Understand various metal grades and the process of sorting ...

New

Padnos

Coach in Training

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Overview This position is designed for management trainees and responsible for leadership ... Train future and present scale buyers. * Understand various metal grades and the process of sorting ...

New

ffh

Store Manager - Unassigned

Muskegon, MI

Provides feedback to the office, i.e., buyers, district managers and all other company officials. H ... Manager Trainee Requirements: A successful Store Manager - Unassigned must demonstrate excellent ...

ffh

Store Manager - Unassigned

Sparta, MI · On-site

Provides feedback to the office, i.e., buyers, district managers and all other company officials. H ... Manager Trainee Requirements: A successful Store Manager - Unassigned must demonstrate excellent ...

ffh

Store Manager - Unassigned

Fremont, MI · On-site

Provides feedback to the office, i.e., buyers, district managers and all other company officials. H ... Manager Trainee Requirements: A successful Store Manager - Unassigned must demonstrate excellent ...

ffh

Store Manager - Unassigned

Muskegon, MI · On-site

Provides feedback to the office, i.e., buyers, district managers and all other company officials. H ... Manager Trainee Requirements: A successful Store Manager - Unassigned must demonstrate excellent ...

ffh

Store Manager - Unassigned

Imlay City, MI

Provides feedback to the office, i.e., buyers, district managers and all other company officials. H ... Manager Trainee Requirements: A successful Store Manager - Unassigned must demonstrate excellent ...

New

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All JobsBuyer JobsBuyer Trainee JobsBuyer Trainee Jobs in Michigan

Buyer Trainee information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$18

$31

How much do buyer trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for buyer trainee in Michigan is $18.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a buyer trainee?

Buyer Trainees are entry-level professionals who assist experienced buyers or purchasing managers in sourcing and acquiring goods and services for a company. They learn procurement processes, evaluate suppliers, negotiate prices, and help manage inventory under supervision. This role serves as a training ground for individuals interested in a career in purchasing, supply chain, or procurement, providing hands-on experience with vendor relations and contract management. Buyer Trainees often advance to more senior purchasing roles after gaining experience and demonstrating their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a buyer trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Buyer Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of supply chain management, strong analytical abilities, and usually a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software, inventory management systems, and Microsoft Excel is often required. Attention to detail, negotiation skills, and effective communication set top candidates apart. These skills ensure efficient purchasing processes, cost savings, and productive relationships with suppliers.

What are some common challenges faced by buyer trainees during their first year, and how can these be addressed?

Buyer Trainees often find it challenging to quickly learn the nuances of supplier negotiation, inventory management, and understanding the specific needs of their organization. Adapting to the fast-paced environment and balancing multiple tasks, such as purchase order tracking and vendor communication, can also be demanding. These challenges can be addressed through active mentorship, ongoing training, and proactively seeking feedback from senior buyers and cross-functional teams. Building strong organizational and communication skills early on can help Buyer Trainees navigate their responsibilities more effectively.

What is the difference between Buyer Trainee vs Buyer?

AspectBuyer TraineeBuyer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate degreeBachelor's degree often preferred; relevant certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, often in retail or procurement departmentsFull responsibility for purchasing decisions, more autonomous, in various industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in retail, manufacturing, and logistics as an entry pointUsed across industries for ongoing procurement roles

The Buyer Trainee position is an entry-level role designed to develop skills in procurement, often with on-the-job training. A Buyer, on the other hand, is a more experienced professional responsible for making purchasing decisions. While both roles involve procurement, the Buyer Trainee is typically in a learning phase, whereas the Buyer has greater autonomy and experience.

How to get a job as a buyer trainee with no experience?

To become a buyer trainee with no experience, focus on developing basic skills in supply chain management, negotiation, and inventory control through online courses or certifications. Entry-level positions often value strong communication, organizational skills, and a willingness to learn, so gaining relevant knowledge and demonstrating enthusiasm can improve your chances.

Is being a buyer trainee a stressful job?

Buyer trainees often work in fast-paced environments where they must meet deadlines and manage supplier relationships, which can contribute to stress. However, the level of stress varies depending on the company's workload, industry, and individual skills in negotiation and organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Buyer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Buyer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Buyer Trainee jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Buyer Trainee job openings:

Buyer Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Buyer Trainee job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,342 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Manager Trainee

AK Steel

Pontiac, MI

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Location: Pontiac, MI

Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is one of North America's premier processors, buyers,sellersand recyclers of scrap metals of all kinds and is a key supplier to the metals industry of North America. FPT isawholly-ownedbusiness ofCleveland-Cliffshas an immediate opportunity fora Commercial Analyst at our Detroit, MI Corporate Office. This role offers hands-on exposure to the recycled metals and ferrous scrap markets, supporting pricing strategy, market analysis, and commercial decision-making across domestic and global steel supply chains.

Summary ofResponsibilities:

  • Learn and assist with daily scrap yard operations
  • Monitor material receiving, processing, grading, and shipping activities
  • Ensure efficient yard traffic flow and material handling procedures
  • Assist in scheduling employees and coordinating workloads
  • Provide exceptional service to commercial and retail customers
  • Learn scrap metal grading and purchasing procedures
  • Promote and enforce company safety policies and regulatory compliance
  • Assist with employee training, coaching, and performance management
  • Support inventory tracking, reporting, and operational metrics
  • Other duties as assigned

MinimumQualifications:

  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Basic computer proficiency with Microsoft Office
  • Knowledge of inventory, manufacturing, and database software
  • Ability to work in an outdoor industrial environment
  • Exposure to heavy equipment, machinery, dust, noise, and changing weather conditions
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Logistics, or related field
  • Experience in recycling, manufacturing, construction, warehousing, or industrial operations
  • Prior leadership or supervisory experience
  • Ability to read an interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
  • May require overtime, weekends, and occasional travel for training

Ferrous Processing and Trading is a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., the largest flat-rolled steel company, and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. Cleveland-Cliffs is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing.We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, educationassistance, paid time off, and more.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail tocareers@clevelandcliffs.comor call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.

AK Steel logo

About AK Steel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AK Steel is a leading producer of flat-rolled carbon, stainless, and electrical steel products in the United States. With a rich heritage spanning over a century, AK Steel is known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. AK Steel's product portfolio encompasses a wide range of steel solutions tailored to meet the needs of various industries, including automotive, construction, appliances, electrical, and packaging. The advanced manufacturing facilities and state-of-the-art technologies enable AK Steel to produce high-quality steel products that meet stringent specifications and performance requirements.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

West Chester, OH, US

Year founded

1899

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