Purchasing Agent

Overview:

KADANT BLACK CLAWSON LLC is an established leader in equipment and systems for the international pulp and paper process industries. For 150 years, weve helped our customers reduce their input costs and improve efficiency through innovative products and technologies. Our sustainability efforts have been nationally recognized, and Kadant is also listed on the New York Stock Exchange (KAI). Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located in Lebanon, OH, where we design and manufacture our products for customers across the globe.

We currently seek to fill the position of Purchasing Agent to negotiate and purchase assigned commodities, supplies, and services for our operations. Commodities could include machined and fabricated parts, power transmission components, and MRO supplies. This involves all aspects of the purchasing process including sourcing (finding and qualifying suppliers), negotiating contracts and supplier agreements, quoting, processing changes to purchase orders, determining product availability, and expediting, all while advancing KBCs mission of being a forward-thinking, collaborative, and ethical business.

• Daily reviews and timely acts upon purchase order suggestions and change order suggestions.
• Negotiates and executes purchase agreements including payment terms for assigned commodities and projects.
• Maintains knowledge of assigned commodities and market conditions that may impact procurement costs and lead times.
• Utilizes most effective procurement methods (scheduled deliveries, blanket orders, credit cards, long term agreements, etc.).
• Analyzes and understands raw material surcharges and transportation costs as it applies to the finished product.
• Determines qualifications of and ensures that the supplier of outsourced products can produce the required quality and deliver at the negotiated cost as required, supporting manufacturing goals, delivery requirements, and sales needs.
• Monitors and maintains active purchase orders for delivery performance and takes appropriate measures to ensure delivery in accordance to our customers requirements and company goals.
• Manages subcontracts & consigned materials at suppliers.
• Supports sales department requests for quote(s) in timely fashion.
• Responsible for achieving annual cost savings goals.
• As requested by management, assists in other aspects of the business.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Demonstrates KBC values of personal accountability, discipline, trust, and proactive action
• 5+ years industrial buying experience, preferably in a job shop environment.
• Associates or Bachelors in Supply Chain or similar related field preferred. ISM or APICS certification along with extensive purchasing experience accepted as substitute.
• Basic working knowledge of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, assembly) required, ability to read and interpret drawings preferred.
• Must demonstrate conflict resolution experience. Must have an understanding of tactical supply chain processes and strategic concepts (including total cost of ownership).

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran

All benefits, including medical, dental, vision, PTO, and 401k are effective upon hire Hybrid work (1 day remote/4 days in person) available after onboarding period is complete.