Purchasing Agent

Summary:
The Purchasing Agent is a key contributor to the procurement and estimating functions that support print production operations. This role partners closely with the Sales team to understand client needs, sources and purchases outside materials and services, and maintains strong vendor relationships. The position also works with Production to handle outsourced or overflow printing, ensures materials are delivered on time, and upholds quality standards through ongoing vendor communication and press checks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Sales Collaboration

• Partner with the Sales team to review quote requests and fully understand customer requirements.
• Support cost estimating and source materials or services needed to complete client projects.

Estimating & Procurement

• Oversee all estimating and purchasing functions for external materials, including printing substrates, ad-specialty items, hardware, and facility supplies.
• Analyze supplier quotes, negotiate pricing, and generate purchase orders for approved vendors.

Vendor Relations

• Build and maintain productive relationships with outside vendors to ensure consistent, reliable supply of materials.
• Coordinate vendor-led presentations for the Sales team, including quarterly Lunch & Learn sessions.

Production Support

• Work with the Production team to outsource overflow printing and coordinate schedules for external jobs.
• Perform press checks as needed to verify quality, color accuracy, and overall production standards.

Industry Knowledge & Technology Awareness

• Stay current on new printing technologies, ad-specialty products, and market innovations.
• Arrange product demos and training sessions to keep the Sales team informed of new offerings.

Cross-Department Coordination

• Partner with Receiving to confirm timely deliveries, resolve shortages, and address any quality concerns.
• Collaborate with Accounting to set up new vendors, validate purchase order details, and reconcile company credit card purchases.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement, estimating, or a similar function within the print production environment.
• Strong proficiency with procurement tools, project management systems, and estimating workflows.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate across Sales, Production, and Accounting.
• Solid negotiation abilities and experience evaluating supplier pricing.
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Knowledge of offset, digital on-demand, large format printing, ad-specialty, and related production services.
• Familiarity with printing technologies, materials, and specialty products.
• Experience with procurement or accounting software preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position does not have supervisory duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical requirements listed reflect those necessary to perform this role. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job tasks.

• Regular activities: sitting, using hands for typing/handling materials, reaching, speaking, and hearing.
• Occasional activities: standing and walking.
• Vision requirements include: close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Tell us about your experience managing purchasing or estimating activities in the print production or manufacturing industry. What types of materials or services have you sourced most often?
• Describe a time you successfully negotiated with a vendor to improve pricing, quality, or turnaround time. What approach did you take, and what was the outcome?
• This role requires frequent collaboration with Sales, Production, and Accounting. Can you share an example of how you’ve worked across departments to meet a client’s needs or resolve an issue?
• How do you ensure that externally produced jobs meet internal quality and color standards before delivery to the client?
• The print industry is always evolving. How do you stay informed about new materials, technologies, or vendor opportunities, and how have you applied that knowledge in your past role?
• What are your salary expectations for this position?
• If selected, when would you be available to start employment with Momentara?

Work Location: In person