Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent

Location: Mendota Heights, MN

Department: Production Planning & Control

Reporting To: Master Scheduler

Type: Full-time

What You’ll Be Doing:

As a Purchasing Agent, you will play a key role in ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials and goods that support production and operations. You’ll manage purchase orders, build strong supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and collaborate closely with internal teams to align purchasing activities with demand and inventory goals. Your work will directly impact cost control, material availability, and overall operational efficiency.

A Day in the Life:

• Initiate, prepare, process, and verify purchase orders in accordance with established procedures

• Expedite delayed orders and resolve issues related to changes, returns, replacements, and credits

• Meet with internal stakeholders to review requisitions, material needs, and priorities

• Coordinate with production, planning, and other departments to ensure procurement needs are met

• Maintain accurate records of purchasing activities, supplier communications, and contracts

• Evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and scorecard performance

• Conduct on-site supplier visits to assess capabilities, products, services, and pricing

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to strengthen and diversify the supply base

• Attend supplier meetings, trade shows, and industry events to stay current on market trends

• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to achieve cost savings and favorable agreements

• Analyze market trends and pricing proposals to ensure competitive sourcing decisions

• Track and report key purchasing metrics to improve efficiency and reduce costs

• Monitor inventory levels to ensure material availability while avoiding overstocking

• Support Just-in-Time (JIT) initiatives, inventory reduction efforts, and purchasing consolidation

• Forecast quantities and delivery requirements for high-volume materials

• Follow all safety, medical, OSHA, and ISO compliance requirements

• Perform other related duties as assigned

You’re a Great Fit If You:

• Have strong negotiation skills and can secure favorable pricing and contract terms

• Are comfortable analyzing market data, supplier proposals, and financial information

• Understand end-to-end procurement processes and supplier management

• Have experience managing contracts and ensuring compliance with terms

• Possess solid inventory management knowledge and demand planning skills

• Are detail-oriented, organized, and accurate in documentation and recordkeeping

• Solve problems effectively and adapt to supply chain challenges

• Communicate clearly and professionally with suppliers and internal teams

• Manage time well and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

• Make informed, timely decisions that support business objectives

• Are proficient with ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools

• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset

• Maintain a strong commitment to safety and compliance

Preferred Experience:

• APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP, or similar) preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field preferred

• 3+ years of experience in purchasing or procurement within a manufacturing environment

• Valid Driver’s Licenses required

• Demonstrated experience purchasing raw materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, cold roll, hot roll, bar stock, hardware, and packaging materials

• Strong understanding of material specifications and tolerances

• Experience managing vendor scorecards and holding suppliers accountable for quality, delivery performance, pricing, compliance, and responsiveness

• Proficiency with ERP systems (JobBOSS experience preferred)

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and related business tools

• Experience in a manufacturing or job shop production environment preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to see, hear, and maintain visual focus for detailed work

• Frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the workday

• Regular use of hands for handling, reaching, and operating office equipment

• Physical and mental stamina to maintain focus and accuracy over long shifts

• Ability to regularly lift up to 25 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs

Why Work With Us?

As a Purchasing Agent, you’ll be an integral part of a collaborative production and planning team where your decisions directly support manufacturing success. You’ll work closely with suppliers and internal partners, influence cost and inventory strategies, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in a stable, growth-oriented environment.

**Location: **Saint Paul MN

You should be proficient in:

• ERP & MRP Systems
• Supply Chain Management
• Sourcing and Procurement Experience
• Supplier Negotiation Experience
• Contract Negotiation Experience
• High School / GED
• Microsoft Excel

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• ERP Software