Position Summary
The purchasing agent identifies, evaluate and develop sources for a variety of products to support the companies initiatives. Prepares, forwards, monitors and expedites purchase orders to suppliers. Works closely with the compliance team to maintain the supplier evaluation and monitoring program.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Identify, evaluate and develop suppliers for sourcing of products
Prepare Request for Quotation (RFQ's) to obtain competitive bids from approved sources
Evaluate and negotiate supplier proposals
Review and evaluate product quality, supplier qualifications, manufacturing capability, lead time, contractual issues and cost
Provide cost and lead time information provided by supplier to appropriate individuals for approval
Perform planning and forecasting, and risk assessment activities to support long lead purchases and including transmittal to customers and suppliers when required
Perform obsolescence review and make disposition recommendations
Prepare purchase orders, contracts and award justification documents
Evaluate requirements and determine appropriate purchasing methods
Negotiate specific contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority
Develop strategic supplier relationships while serving as primary liaison with suppliers
Ensure suppliers are provided necessary information, tooling and materials
Maintain related purchasing records such as: items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance and inventories
Address supplier disputes and performance deficiencies
Monitor and control supplier delivery performance
Develop and utilize Supplier Management “Best Practices” to proactively manage suppliers
Monitor and control inventory levels and spend consistent with management’s strategic plan
Discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, suppliers and others to determine cause and take or recommend corrective action
Provide management with market intelligence as appropriate
Approve appropriate invoices for payment
Expedite delivery of goods to users
Visit supplier facilities as required
Maintain liaison with internal departments and/or personnel
Provide feedback regarding the progress of orders, including delays and reason for same
Participate in the development of recovery schedules
Update critical shortage lists
Support other commodity areas within the department as required
Participate in improvement processes inside & external to the department
Other duties assigned by management
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Authorities for Position
None
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Business or equivalent
Minimum three (3) years of experience in procurement/supply chain in a manufacturing environment or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
MRP/ERP systems experience and knowledge of industry suppliers and product/manufacturing capabilities
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None
Competencies
Proficient in Microsoft Office, possess strong negotiating skills and be highly ethical with strong integrity. Active use of value-based decision making practices is necessary.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities and shifting time requirements. Must be able to promote a participative, team oriented environment, working with customers (both internal and external), subordinates, other employees, vendors and all others in a professional and respectful manner.
Excellent communication skills and be able to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical materials and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, work instructions and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, employees and vendors.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to compile and present data in a format that facilitates information sharing and decision making.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts including, but not limited to probability and statistical inference.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment:
Ability to occasionally move objects (lift, push, pull, balance, carry) up to 50 pounds.
Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to make repeating movements of the arms, hands, and wrists.
Ability to turn or twist body parts in a circular motion.
Ability to tolerate loud and noisy environments