Purchasing Agent

General Purpose

Purchase materials or other goods (raw materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, etc.). Partner closely with internal groups, such as sales and operational planning, strategic procurement, distribution, sales, and operations teams, to ensure that optimal inventory levels are maintained to meet business requirements. Communicate with vendors to obtain product or service information, such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate all purchasing activities, review and process purchase requisitions, and place purchase orders
• Recommend and / or determine method of procurement, such as direct purchase or bid
• Expedite orders where required to ensure constant supply against schedule changes
• Review and manage invoice issues, shipping errors, late deliveries, replacement of materials not meeting company specifications, and cancellation of orders, keeping stakeholders updated throughout the process
• Ensure appropriate inventory levels are attained and managed, meeting or exceeding procurement and inventory key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Actively participate in the resolution of aging inventory
• Negotiate prices within budgetary limitations and scope of authority; create competitive bidding situations to ensure lowest total costs
• Develop and maintain effective logistics storage and inventory plan that optimizes freight costs
• Maintain procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories
• Discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services with internal groups, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action
• Monitor market standards and trends, changes in business practices of supported area(s), new sources, new systems, new or altered types of materials entering the market, etc., to identify and recommend ways of reducing prices of goods purchased and costs of operations through standardization of material and value analysis
• Maintain market intelligence and report changes in pricing levels. Identify potential problem areas or conditions which could adversely affect the company's procurement position. Recommend and take corrective actions
• Interview existing and new vendors to obtain information regarding product quality and price and to ensure vendor performance is consistently satisfactory. Evaluate and make appropriate changes for the most cost effective and best quality service
• Maintain, re-evaluate, and expand reliable qualified sources of supply and secondary sources as backup
• Collect and compile information for vendor performance annual reviews from internal departments on the quality of vendor products and services. Initiate reports and distribute to proper personnel for their review and action
• Participate in continuous improvement projects and discussions within operational procurement and provide input into procurement strategies
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled / Veterans

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