Purchasing Agent

Overview
The Purchasing Agent is responsible for purchasing at Centerline Logistics and subsidiaries. The Purchasing Agent is responsible to find the best goods or services, choose suppliers, and negotiate prices. May be required to travel to other ports as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Reviews supply requisitions and coordinates with requesting department to clarify; requirements, specifications, quantity, quality, lead-time, standardization and delivery issues.
• Solicits and analyzes quotations for stock materials, new and non-standard materials and supplies.
• Places purchase orders in a prompt and timely manner with a high degree of accuracy.
• Follows-up on orders to expedite/de-expedite materials as needed by the requesting department or to manage inventory while improving service to user department.
• Analyzes purchase patterns, inventory levels and materials supplied by various suppliers to leverage purchasing activities, reduce materials total cost and reduce inventory investment.
• Negotiates with suppliers to obtain the best combination of price, quality, quantity, delivery and supplier responsiveness consistent with volume commitments.
• Works with suppliers to manage the return and replacement of materials damaged, defective, missing or not meeting the purchasing specification. Communicates with user departments any changes made by vendor to the requisition.
• Monitors very closely retrieval of packing slips from user department.
• Keeps accurate and current data such as pricing in the purchasing system.
• Maintains effective communication with user departments and accounts payable department.
• Routinely monitors inventory levels to optimize inventory investment while keeping adequate amount of supplies and materials in stock to support daily operations.
• Identifies new suppliers and develops and manages supplier relations for maximum mutual benefit.
• Insures that all purchasing related activities comply with applicable laws and government regulations, accepted trade practices and medical care standards relating to the ordering department.
• Identifies problem areas affecting or affected by purchasing, keeps management informed and recommends constructive corrective actions.
• Resolves discrepancies with suppliers and insures accurate and complete information is in the purchasing system.
• Adheres to safety, confidentiality, compliance, and legal requirements.
• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance and complies with company guidelines on attendance.
• Evaluating suppliers on multiple criteria price, quality, service support, availability, reliability, and selection.
• Maintain expenditures at or below budgeted levels.
• Ensure the quality of material, services, and supplies purchased.
• Ensure the correct amount of product or service is received when needed.
• Perform in the company Spill Management team as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in purchasing.
• Computer Skills: Word, Excel, Purchasing and Accounting software
• Knowledge of automated procurement and inventory control systems
• Well-developed written oral communications and human relation skills evidenced in dealing with vendors, staff and all levels of Centerline Logistics employees.
• Ability to plan and manage projects and obtain goals that may shift with changing priorities
• Ability to deal with others using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive communications.
• Ability to understand instructions, reason, and make judgments.
• Understand meaning of words, ideas associated with them, and their effective use.
• Ability to perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to work independently or with no guidance.
• Ability to get along with office staff and terminal employees.
• Capable of making decisions and giving directions to others within approved guidelines.

Job Condition and Environment

• May be required to sit for long periods of time.
• Infrequent light physical effort required.

Expected Hours of Work

• Normal office hours are 7:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday
• Takes normal communications during business hours but weekend ordering might be needed when requested by Operations or Engineering.

Company Overview
Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), United States East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the United States Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, and other support to the subsidiary companies.

The Company offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D options to our employees and their eligible dependents after meeting Company requirements. 401(k) options, Disability Insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, 10 paid holidays per calendar year (subject to work schedule) and Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSAs are also available to our employees after meeting Company requirements. All benefits information may be subject to change based on any current or updated benefit plan year changes and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.