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 back up
• 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:

• Undergraduate degree in accounting, business, economics, supply chain management or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 2 to 5 years of procurement, purchasing, buyer, supply chain management, finance, or related experience
• Minimum of 2 years previous experience in a manufacturing setting
• Previous food, beverage or RX experience strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Sound knowledge of procurement, supply chain, and general business principles
• Sound knowledge of vendor product, services, and reliability
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Skill in critical thinking and analysis
• Able to negotiate
• Able to organize time, energy, and resources effectively to achieve goals (i.e., organizational skills)
• Able to prioritize work effectively
• Able to work under tight deadlines with flexibility
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans