Purchasing Agent

Position:
Purchasing Agent (Exempt)

Location:

Western Valley Meat – Fresno, CA 93706

Type:
Full time

Education Level: 2 Year Degree

Salary: $70,304.00 – $75,000.00 per year

Travel:
Up to 25%

Shift: Day

Category:
Purchasing – Procurement

Scope:
Manages procurement activities valued at $25M+ annually, including strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier relationship management, spend analysis, and continuous process improvement initiatives that deliver measurable cost savings and operational efficiencies.

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies.
• Source and evaluate suppliers.
• Conduct market research and analyze pricing trends.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms.
• Hold suppliers accountable to their agreement.
• Manage supplier performance and relationships.
• Resolve supplier issues and disputes.
• Conduct supplier audits and evaluations.

• Draft, review, and manage purchase agreements.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Monitor contract renewals and obligations.

• Forecast material and service requirements.
• Collaborate with operations, production, and finance teams.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing carrying costs.

• Analyze spending and procurement data.
• Prepare purchasing forecasts.
• Track savings initiatives and procurement KPIs.

• Ensure adherence to procurement policies and procedures.
• Evaluate supplier risks and business continuity plans.
• Support regulatory and quality compliance requirements.

• Generate procurement reports and metrics.
• Improve purchasing processes and workflows.
• Implement procurement systems and automation tools.

• All other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Report directly to Procurement Director.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or related field (preferred).
• 3–7+ years of purchasing or procurement experience.
• Professional certifications such as Institute for Supply Management Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are often preferred.

• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Infor M3, SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics 365.
• Works well independently and with others.
• Good communication skills.
• Organized with attention to details.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word.
• Experience in handling both inbound and outbound calls and email correspondence professionally and timely.
• Proven ability to manage data entry tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Organize and maintain a central filing system, make photocopies, fax, and file documents as required.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Maintain regular attendance, punctuality, and ability to follow directions from management and leadership.

Western Valley Meat Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are evaluated and selected based on their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decisions on employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age, color, sex, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status, reproductive health decision making, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

Western Valley Meat participates in E-Verify during the hire process for all new Team Members.