Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent

The Purchasing Agent plays a key role in a high-volume consumer products manufacturing facility in Lincoln, NE, managing complex procurement activities for machinery, equipment, tooling, repairs, parts, and specialized components. This full-time, on-site role focuses on securing high-quality goods and services at optimal value, supporting production, quality, and cost objectives while working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. The position offers a strong work culture, clear career growth paths, and a comprehensive benefits package in a stable, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform a wide range of procurement activities to source machinery, equipment, tooling, repairs, parts, and other goods and services that deliver the best overall value in terms of quality, cost, and reliability.
• Evaluate, coordinate, and monitor incoming and outgoing shipments to ensure efficient operations, maintaining strict standards for quality, cost control, and on-time delivery.
• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned commodities, from initial concept through completion, including supplier selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management related to quality, delivery, cost, and service.
• Handle day-to-day purchasing functions such as obtaining quotes, negotiating pricing and terms, issuing purchase orders, resolving quality and delivery issues, expediting orders when necessary, and maintaining alignment with the purchasing budget.
• Correspond regularly with internal customers to understand requirements, clarify specifications, and ensure procurement activities support production schedules and business objectives.
• Communicate with external suppliers to confirm order details, delivery timelines, quality expectations, and corrective actions when issues arise, maintaining professional and productive vendor relationships.
• Research, identify, and recommend specialized resources, suppliers, and solutions inside or outside the organization to effectively meet unique or complex purchasing needs.
• Procure parts and electrical components, including items such as wiring harnesses and audio/stereo components, ensuring they meet technical specifications and quality standards.
• Effectively manage significant inventory and spend levels, typically in the range of $30–40 million per buyer, ensuring accurate tracking and alignment with budget and inventory targets.
• Interact with approximately 10–20 suppliers on a regular basis, maintaining clear communication, negotiating favorable terms, and monitoring performance and compliance.
• Participate in project management activities related to new products, process improvements, or supplier transitions, coordinating timelines, deliverables, and procurement-related tasks.
• Use supply chain and purchasing software systems to create, track, and manage orders, monitor inventory and delivery status, and support data-driven procurement decisions.
• Read and comprehend technical drawings and blueprints as needed to ensure purchased components meet engineering and manufacturing specifications.
• Conduct negotiations with suppliers on pricing, delivery schedules, and contract terms to achieve cost savings and performance improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, and quality, to resolve issues, support new initiatives, and align procurement strategies with organizational goals.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records for purchasing activities, including quotes, contracts, purchase orders, and supplier performance data.
• Support continuous improvement efforts within the supply chain and purchasing function by identifying opportunities to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance supplier performance.
• Travel domestically and occasionally internationally on an as-needed basis, typically about once per quarter, to visit suppliers, attend meetings, and support procurement and project activities.

Essential Skills

• 5–10 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or buyer experience in a manufacturing-related environment, with a focus on managing complex commodities and supplier relationships.
• Bachelor's degree in…