Purchasing Agent

Job Description

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for procuring goods, services, and equipment to support the operational needs of all departments. This role provides outstanding internal customer service, collaborates closely with stakeholders to understand their requirements, and develops strong relationships with suppliers to ensure timely, accurate, and cost‑effective purchasing.

• Create and issue purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner using the organization’s ERP system.
• Receive purchase requests electronically, complete transactions, and follow up with internal teams on issues such as back orders, shipping delays, and order changes.
• Track the status of all orders, ensuring visibility and clear communication to internal stakeholders.
• Manage and expedite priority and urgent order requests to meet tight deadlines and operational needs.
• Obtain order confirmations and expected delivery dates from suppliers and document this information in the ERP system.
• Monitor and follow up on open orders, including tracking shipments and verifying delivery completion.
• Assist with resolving invoice exceptions and discrepancies by collaborating with internal departments and vendors.
• Maintain regular communication with suppliers to build strong vendor relationships and ensure reliable service.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal departments by understanding their needs and ensuring procurement activities align with operational requirements.
• Contribute to the ongoing consolidation and improvement of supply chain functions by taking on additional responsibilities as the organization grows.

• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Purchasing Agent or in a closely related purchasing role.
• Experience purchasing goods in any industry, with a preference for those who have purchased within the healthcare sector.
• Hands‑on experience using an ERP system for purchasing and procurement activities.
• Practical supply chain experience, including purchase order management and order tracking.
• Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems for purchasing and materials management.
• Experience with MRP processes and tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for tracking, reporting, and analyzing purchasing data.
• Background in logistics, vendor management, and procurement operations.
• Ability to manage multiple orders and priorities simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication and follow‑up skills when working with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Associate’s degree required as a minimum educational qualification.

• Buying experience across a variety of goods and categories.
• Experience working with integrated ERP systems to support end‑to‑end supply chain functions.
• Demonstrated ability to grow into expanded responsibilities and higher‑level roles within a supply chain organization.
• Interest in contributing to a consolidating and evolving supply chain function with opportunities for professional growth.

This role operates in a very fast‑paced office environment where the Purchasing Agent must work effectively under tight deadlines and high‑pressure situations. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a 30‑minute lunch break. The position is based in an office setting and the employee will have their own desk and workspace. The organization is consolidating its supply chain functions into a central location, creating a dynamic environment with opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and grow in both scope of work and career progression.

ERP systems, including potentially SAP and other supply chain tools, are used regularly to manage purchasing, logistics, and vendor relationships.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Menands, NY.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 – $27.16 per hour.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (voluntary life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Healt…