Commodity Sourcing

Purchasing Agent

Responsible for purchases made by the organization. Evaluates and approves vendors and authorizes purchase orders for goods or services. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. May lead and direct the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.

Typically reports to a manager.

• Reviews requisitions.

• Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.

• Selects products for purchase by testing, observing, or examining items. Selects suppliers with Supply Chain Manager based on criteria such as quality certification, capacity analysis, financial analysis, etc...

• Estimates values according to knowledge of market price.

• Determines method of procurement such as direct purchase or bid.

• Prepares purchase orders or bid requests.

• Reviews bid proposals and negotiates contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.

• Maintains procurement records such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories.

• Discusses defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action.

• Approves invoices for payment.

• Expedites delivery of goods to users.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty and at least 4+ years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information;
Collects and researches data;
Uses intuition and experience to complement data;
Design's workflows and procedures.

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner;
Gathers and analyzes information skillfully;
Develops alternative solutions;
Works well in group problem solving situations;
Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

• Project Management - Coordinates projects;
Completes projects on time and budget.

• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations;
Responds promptly to customer needs;
Solicits customer feedback to improve service;
Responds to requests for service and assistance;
Meets commitments.

• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality;
Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions.

• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy;
Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences;
Educates others on the value of diversity;
Promotes a harassment-free environment;
Builds a diverse workforce.

• Initiative - Volunteers readily;
Undertakes self-development activities;
Seeks increased responsibilities;
Takes independent actions and calculated risks;
Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities;
Asks for and offers help when needed.

• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity;
Meets challenges with resourcefulness;
Generates suggestions for improving work;
Develops innovative approaches and ideas;
Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions;
Exhibits sound and accurate judgment;
Supports and explains reasoning for decisions;
Includes appropriate people in decision-making process;
Makes timely decisions.

• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities;
Uses time efficiently;
Plans for additional resources;
Sets goals and objectives;
Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks;
Develops realistic action plans.

• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner;
Reacts well under pressure;
Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position;
Accepts responsibility for own actions;
Follows through on commitments.

• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness;
Looks for ways to improve and promote quality;
Applies feedback to improve performance;
Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Physical Demands:

• The employee must…