PURCHASING AGENT

DEPARTMENT: PURCHASING

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Purchasing Agent supports and executes purchasing activities to ensure timely availability of materials, supplies, and services at the lowest possible long-term cost. This role provides administrative and operational support to the Purchasing Department while also managing assigned materials, suppliers, and accounts. The position works closely with internal departments and external vendors to improve supplier performance, manage inventory, support cost-reduction initiatives, and protect the company’s interests.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Purchase assigned materials from approved and qualified suppliers with sufficient lead time to prevent shortages.
• Manage specific supplier accounts and maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date purchase orders.
• Negotiate with suppliers on new procurements or changes to existing purchase orders as required.
• Research and implement opportunities to reduce product, inventory, and procurement costs.
• Attain working knowledge of assigned products and operational requirements.
• Coordinate disposition of rejected or nonconforming materials with suppliers.
• Maintain and monitor inventory levels for assigned parts; recommend actions for obsolete or excess inventory write-offs.
• Responsible for MRO purchasing.

Purchasing Department Support

• Provide support to the Purchasing Manager and team with:
  • Purchase order entry, confirmations, and revisions
  • Vendor correspondence, including product inquiries and returns
  • Reporting, forecasting, and scheduling activities
• Order office supplies and warehouse/FAB supplies as required.
• Assist with departmental projects, including:
  • Annual RFQ schedules
  • Annual COO / NAFTA certifications
  • Annual certificates of liability updates
  • Vendor record maintenance
  • Work instruction revisions

Coordination & Projects

• Coordinate with internal departments and external vendors to support purchasing objectives and supplier performance.
• Serve as backup to the Purchasing Manager during resource shortages or absences.
• Handle special projects and additional duties as assigned.
• Pursue ongoing training and development to remain current with best purchasing practices.
• Perform all duties in accordance with established operational procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in purchasing, logistics, sales, or manufacturing preferred but not required.
• Intermediate computer skills with Windows operating systems.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook.
• Strong organizational, time management, and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail with effective problem-solving ability.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally at all organizational levels, internally and externally.
• Experience with Epicor ERP is preferred, but not required.