Purchasing Agent

Job Description

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for the cost-effective procurement of HVAC equipment and supplies as well as maintaining our ERP system to support Design Air’s growing operation. HVAC product knowledge, detailed analysis capability, vendor relations, and negotiation skills are key elements of this role. In addition to working with Purchasing team members, the Purchasing Agent will work with many other departments to ensure inventory levels are aligned with business needs.

This position can be based at one of our Rheem Midwest Distribution main locations, including West Allis, WI, Kimberly, WI, or Madison, WI.

• Develop and execute standardized purchasing procedures and processes across all company locations
• Assure and maintain outstanding levels of customer service for both internal and external customers
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains for the benefit of the business and our customers
• Meet and negotiate with suppliers to deliver the best value to our customers
• Source products and services to support sales team and customer inquiries
• Maintain a technical competence for HVAC equipment, supplies and services – stay up to date with relevant industry trends and customer needs
• Stay proficient in using the Prophet 21 ERP system and Blue Ridge supply chain platform to place purchase orders, generate transfers, customer orders, and support inventory activities
• Support the marketing team in the development of monthly advertising and promotions to keep other team members informed and grow sales
• Work with Operations and Accounts Payable on supplier damage and shipping errors
• Eliminate dead and nonperforming inventory
• Create custom reports using White Cup
• Support Blue Hawk buying cooperative based on business needs
• Track and manage rebate opportunities with suppliers
• Foster a positive, flexible and team-oriented attitude that supports our culture
• Travel to other branches and vendor facilities as needed
• Perform other duties to support the business as assigned or on an interim basis

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
• 5+ years of purchasing experience and/or knowledge of purchasing practices and procedures required
• HVAC industry experience or knowledge preferred
• Experience with ERP systems (P21) preferred
• Ability to think critically and logically under pressure and work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to multitask
• Ability to collaborate and work independently
• Build strong working relationships with all levels of staff, customers, and suppliers
• Use independent judgment to respond appropriately to customer needs and solve problems
• Ability to prepare and present business cases for the addition or deletion of inventory items
• Ability to educate team members on the features/benefits of HVAC products
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Excel)

• Adapting
• Business Understanding
• Collaborating
• Communicating Effectively
• Continuously Improving
• Customer-Orientation
• Developing Self
• Focusing on Results
• Influencing
• Managing Relationships
• Managing Work
• Problem Solving & Decision Making

Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may supplement above minimum job requirements.

At Rheem, we engineer products for life. For home life. For work life. For the life of the planet we all share. Backed by over 100 years of expertise, we’re passionate about product innovation and boldly committed to sustainability. Our full line of global air and water solutions deliver reliable performance, comfort and energy savings for residential and commercial applications worldwide.

From engineers to accountants, sales professionals to support experts, Rheem depends on people to power our innovations. Join Rheem and help shape the future of products that impact lives—every day.

• Listening to Understand – Open mind, learning from…