Purchasing Agent

Job Description

KEY ACCOUNTABILTIES

1 PURCHASING
- Purchases materials, supplies and / or services at the most favorable terms for the company within assigned categories. Researches and evaluates prospective suppliers and vendors. Negotiates with suppliers to obtain prices and specifications. Compares supplier offerings according to standards of price, quality and service and makes recommendations to management for supplier approvals and / or Preferred status.

2 RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
- Strive for and maintain positive but arms-length relationships with suppliers and vendors. Provide prompt and complete communications. Represent the company according to company values and standards and always strive to present a positive image of the company and its operations in interactions with suppliers and vendors.

3 RECORD KEEPING AND ADMINISTRATION
- Prepare purchase orders and maintains purchasing records in required form (electronic, hard copy, etc.). Maintain Purchasing module of ERP software system as required. Communicate with vendors and suppliers to track purchases, monistor delivery schedules and regular update shipping status of purchase orders. Maintain and keep current vendor information records.

4 MONITOR INVENTORY AND REPLENISHMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Monitor inventory levels and availability of assigned purchasing categories. Communicate with consumers and users of purchased material, items and services to ensure availability and prompt replenishment to avoid interruption of operations.

5 ISSUE RESOLUTION
- Resolves issues related to returns, replacements, lost shipments and credit arrangements.

6 MAINTAIN SUPPLIER / VENDOR ACCOUNTABILITY
- Track and monitor vendor / supplier performance against determined metrics. Evaluate quality and other reports on purchased materials or services. Flag performance issues to management for discussion and resolution.

7 REPORTING
- Report as required to management to keep them informed of issues, problems or potential risks to the company within the purchasing function.

BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE

4 year degree preferred but not required. Degree or certificate in procurement or supply chain a plus. Career experience in a manufacturing operation and specifically procurement, freight management, sales preferred. High school diploma or equivalent required.

KEY COMPETENCIES

1 CHARACTER
- Demonstrates honesty and integrity in interactions with others. Models appropriate behavior that demonstrates the highest standards of integrity and is consistent with organization’s values. Demonstrates a strong moral character that exudes trust in all situations. Has earned the trust of others and consistently exhibits ethical actions.

2 COMMUNICATION SKILLS – Demonstrates ability to speak, write and present information in a clear, concise and compelling manner that is tailored to a particular audience. Demonstrates strong active listening skills.

3 DECISION MAKING
- Demonstrates ability to make informed, educated decisions reflecting the needs of the business. Renders appropriate judgments and actions. Able to identify and understand issues, problems, and opportunities and use effective approaches for choosing a course of action. Takes action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences

4 COMPUTER SKILLS – Demonstrates experience and competence in office productivity tools such as word processing, spreadsheet, database and email.

5 ORGANIZATION – Demonstrates ability to arrange own work and develop orderly and functionally efficient work processes for the timely accomplishment of assignments. Is known for preparedness and high standards of effectiveness and efficiency due to personal efforts and dedication to continually improving their work processes and procedures.

6 SELF-STARTER – Demonstrates skill at accomplishing own work without the need for close supervision. Takes action based on urgency, customer needs and the needs of the business without always having to ask for guidance.

7 SYSTEMS THINKING
- Able to consider impact of decisions or actions on various business operations and processes; does not act with silo or functional thinking; able to…