Purchasing Agent​/Maintenance Repair and Operations

Position Summary

The Purchasing Agent / MRO Buyer is the primary owner of the Maintenance Storeroom, managing it from both a physical and process standpoint. This role is responsible for all aspects of procuring goods and services, with a specific focus on Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) inventory. The ideal candidate will be a skilled negotiator with strong analytical and communication skills, capable of managing supplier relationships, resolving issues, and ensuring the timely availability of critical parts and materials to support plant operations.

• Inventory and Storeroom Management:
  • Fully own the Maintenance Storeroom, including physical organization and process optimization.
  • Conduct regular cycle counts and full physical inventories to ensure inventory accuracy.
  • Receive all requests for MRO parts and provide feedback to the Maintenance Manager on inventory additions or changes.
  • Review the inventory reorder list at least weekly to ensure stocking levels are maintained.
• Purchasing and Procurement:
  • Utilize and maintain the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and other purchasing software to process orders, track inventory, and generate reports.
  • Dictate purchase order tier levels based on set criteria.
  • Manage and review the purchase order backlog, communicating any issues to relevant stakeholders.
  • Support reactive purchasing needs to address urgent plant or departmental issues.
  • Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers to secure the best pricing and terms.
  • Receive and process requests from Storeroom Clerks, Planners, etc. for work order parts.
  • Seek authorization for payments and maintain accurate records of purchases, receipts, and inventories.
• Supplier and Vendor Relations:
  • Evaluate potential suppliers based on price, quality, availability, and other criteria.
  • Interview vendors and visit supplier facilities to stay informed on products, services, and pricing.
  • Communicate with suppliers to schedule deliveries and resolve any shipping errors or delays, especially those that hold up work orders or affect stock levels.
  • Attend industry trade shows to stay current on market trends and build a network of suppliers.
• Communication and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  
  • Function as the pivotal point of contact for all matters related to the position, including MRO inventory changes and purchase order backlog issues.
  • Collaborate with the Maintenance Manager on MRO inventory decisions; this role does not have final decision rights in a vacuum.
  • Review work order requests at least weekly.
  • Support system and procedure changes, assisting in the implementation of new software or updates as needed.
  • Assist in training team members as needed.
  • Supplier Performance Management:
    Support and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for critical suppliers, such as on-time delivery, quality, and cost savings.
  • Conduct regular business reviews with top suppliers to drive continuous improvement.
  • Proactive Inventory Optimization:
    Support of a criticality analysis (A-B-C classification) for all MRO parts to prioritize inventory management efforts.
  • Use historical data and maintenance plans to forecast future parts needs, moving away from reactive purchasing.
  • Process Automation and System Utilization:
    Champion the full utilization of the CMMS system, ensuring data integrity and leveraging its capabilities for automated reordering and reporting.
  • Explore opportunities to integrate purchasing processes with other plant systems for streamlined operations.
  • Strategic Sourcing:
    Develop and maintain a pipeline of potential new suppliers to ensure market competitiveness and mitigate supply chain risks.
  • Lead the bidding and request for proposal (RFP) processes for high-value contracts.
  • Cost Reduction Initiatives:
    Actively identify and pursue cost-saving opportunities through bulk purchasing, vendor consolidation, and alternative part sourcing.
  • Implement a robust process for managing and disposing of obsolete or excess inventory to recover value.

Experience: 2-3 years of experience in a related field.

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Core Competencies:
  • Strong negotiation skills.
  • Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in using CMMS and other purchasing or inventory management software.

• The ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of up to fifty pounds may be required.
• The ability to move throughout the plant and storeroom to assess inventory, including the ability to safely climb ladders to access elevated inventory or storage locations.
• Visual acuity to review documents, computer screens, and inventory items.

• Weekly status reports on purchase order backlog and critical inventory issues to the Maintenance Manager.
• Updates on…