Purchasing Agent

About This Role

This Purchasing Agent role is responsible for the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials and goods to support production and operations. The role involves managing purchase orders, building supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and collaborating with internal teams to meet demand and inventory goals, directly impacting cost control and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, prepare, process, and verify purchase orders
• 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

Requirements

• Strong negotiation skills
• Comfortable analyzing market data, supplier proposals, and financial information
• Understanding of end-to-end procurement processes and supplier management
• Experience managing contracts and ensuring compliance with terms
• Solid inventory management knowledge and demand planning skills
• Detail-oriented, organized, and accurate in documentation and recordkeeping
• Effective problem-solving skills and adaptability to supply chain challenges
• Clear and professional communication with suppliers and internal teams
• Proficient with ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset
• Strong commitment to safety and compliance
• Proficiency in ERP & MRP Systems
• Supply Chain Management
• Sourcing and Procurement Experience
• Supplier Negotiation Experience
• Contract Negotiation Experience
• High School / GED
• Microsoft Excel

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field preferred
• 3+ years of experience in purchasing or procurement within a manufacturing environment

Nice to Have

• APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP, or similar)
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field
• 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 JobBOSS
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook
• Experience in a manufacturing or job shop production environment

Skills

* Required skills

Certifications