Purchasing Agent

JOB SUMMARY:

The Purchasing Agent acts as the primary point of contact between suppliers and a business. They are responsible for the procurement of products and goods for use in the business by identifying potential supplier sources, screening them, and negotiating favorable payment terms. Other duties include monitoring supplier performance and ensuring contractual obligations are met.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify sources of supply and negotiate pricing and terms.
• Process purchase orders as required through the ERP system.
• Develop and foster relationships with suppliers to gain favorable leverage.
• Purchasing for multiple office locations
• Track and report cost savings by negotiating with suppliers.
• Manage and maintain inventory levels and determine supply needs.
• Document receipt of incoming products physically and within our ERP system
• Maintain and update costing on units tables as required
• Set up and maintain unit tables to reflect contract fee schedules
• Set new vendors, obtain W-9s and Certificates of Insurance, if necessary
• Attend meetings as required and perform other duties as assigned.
• Able to travel and meet with suppliers and work overtime as required.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• A Strong understanding of procurement and negotiation techniques.
• Working knowledge of the industry and current market conditions.
• Working relationship with internal and external customers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Comfortable working as part of a multidimensional team.
• Time management skills and attention to detail.
• Must have computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field, required
• Extensive experience working in a procurement department is necessary before being assigned to a managerial position and additional certification obtainable from the Next Level Purchasing Association or the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council is desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, and see
• Regularly/Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
• *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the job