Purchasing Agent

Position Summary:

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for the procurement of stock parts, purchase requisitions and MRO goods and services. The Purchasing Agent will review and evaluate properly authorized requisitions and identify sources based on criteria such as quality, cost, ability to meet specifications, availability and historical performance. Quality, quantity at cost, effective prices, and delivery on time are key needs and considerations to meet schedule requirements which result in customer satisfaction and reflect on the company's credibility as a reputable supplier. The Purchasing Agent will maintain mandatory files and records. Trouble shoots and expedites as necessary.

Key Results Areas by level of work:

Level II: Service – Coordinating “production” with problem solving and prevention

1. Resource management (material and people)
2. Communicate the company’s goals and objectives to the supply base and ensure that the department is driving to the company’s goals and objectives.
3. Manage personal performance by setting goals and expectations.
4. Cultivate and foster the company’s core values.
5. Maintain supply base required documentation and information.
6. Escalate concerns or potential concerns to Purchasing Supervisor for guidance.
7. Resource scheduling, output management and reporting
8. Reviews and analyzes requirements to assure adequate supply when needed at minimum investment.
9. Initiates purchase of materials and services according to requirements and inventory policies.
10. Provides feedback on purchase order status as required.
11. Alerts stakeholders to potential supply issues, and documents.
12. Expedites and otherwise follows up on purchases to assure adherence to delivery schedules.
13. Continuous Improvement
14. Continually improve procedures, processes and methods to effectively meet customer needs and organizational objectives.
15. Provide improvement tools, techniques suggestions.
16. Equipment & process maintenance
17. Ensure safety of the employees and quality of the material throughout all processes.
18. Can locate Quality Management System procedure, have read and understand relevant procedure and are aware of all procedure changes when they occur.
19. Ensure that all procedures are followed to drive quality outcomes and ensure quality controls.
20. Manage compliance to all safety procedure and ensure proper protective equipment usage to ensure personnel safety.
21. Professional Development
22. Demonstrates initiative, positive attitude, and enthusiasm for the job.
23. Will follow up with manager on professional development goals and opportunities.
24. Takes an interest and lets it be known that they have a desire to grow with the company.
25. Continually work to improve industry knowledge.
26. Work with Buyers, Purchasing Supervisor and Supply Chain Manager to learn commodities, pricing, suppliers and markets.

Qualifications:

To qualify for this position, an individual must possess the knowledge, training, experience and abilities required.

Education and Training

• Associate’s Degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain or other relevant field
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of on the job experience in lieu of formal education.

Other:

• Must be willing to work overtime as required.
• National and local travel may be required up to 10% of working time.

Skills:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
2. Strong organization and time management skills.
3. High attention to detail.
4. Demonstrate behavior consistent with company values.
5. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding company matters.
6. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
7. Maintain a collaborative relationship with internal and external stakeholders.
8. Obtains support and cooperation from others and reciprocates; demonstrates positive behaviors, displaying tact, respect, and understanding when dealing with others; proactively engages and confronts issues to achieve continual improvement.
9. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
10. Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
11. Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and learn new skills.
12. Ability to independently acquire and apply new knowledge related to our ERP application.
13. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
14. Ability to thrive in a team environment.
15. Basic understanding of Supply Chain Management operational concepts surrounding production planning, scheduling, purchasing, supplier selection, inventory control, logistics, Incoterms, stockroom operations, shipping/receiving.

Physical and Mental Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Required to speak and communicate clearly with others.
• Mental demands: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is required to read, write, analyze data and reports, exercise judgment, develop plans, procedures and goals, present information to others and work under pressure.
• Work Environment: This job operates in a clerical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets.