Purchasing Agent

Location :Decatur ALCity :DecaturState :Alabama (US-AL)Country :United States (US)Requisition Number :35739Position Summary:This position will act as the single point of contact towards the internal customer for procurement related questions; manage local purchasing requests for indirect (non-bill of material) products and services in collaboration with the sourcing and category management organization and guarantee efficient contact implementation/acceptance on site.Core Functions:Manage local purchase requisitions for indirect (non-bill of material) products and services according to defined strategies and frameworksVerify purchase request quality and correct buying channel, align with end users on missing specificationsExecute local purchase requisitionsIdentify and advise customer on possible modification from original requests (e.g. more cost effective alternatives exists)Screen potential suppliers through basic Request For Information/Proposal processSelect a supplier according to the defined strategy in the categoryProcess requisition via purchase order or purchasing cardFollow-up on purchase ordersBe aware of purchase request processing guidelines for all categories to allow for flexible work allocationCollaborate with local planning function(s) on production schedules and MRP min/max levelsEnsure local purchase requisition approvals are defined and followedManage the Procurement function at multiple sitesBe an expert in understanding local catalog content relevant for a particular site and ensure familiarity with relevant category instructions detailing buying procedure, preferred suppliers, etc. for the site (close collaboration with Sourcing Managers and Content Maintainers who will provide these guidelines)Ensure the use of the procurement procedures by internal customers at the siteIf necessary, inform internal customers about required changes and/or preferred alternative buying channelsGuarantee efficient use of the purchasing systems by all users providing them assistance when necessaryAct as a coordinator between the local stakeholders and the procurement organizationIdentify, track, and report locally generated savingsManage and coordinate with local and regional external suppliersSource and negotiate pricing for all maintenance supplies and services not covered by strategic sourcing agreementsEnsure all purchased materials and services are delivered on time to support a 24/7 plant operationCoordinate contract implementation tasks with purchasing managers and stakeholdersCoordinate and participate in the execution of the implementation planPromote the use of global/regional contractsEnsure purchases comply with defined preferred supplier program and are in line with defined channel strategySupport strategic sourcing initiativesUpon request by the Center of Expertise or Sourcing Manager during the sourcing process:Provide input on local spend situation and category practicesProvide insights on local supplier marketEngage local stakeholders to identify any local requirements (legal, QA/regulatory, customer, specifications, etc.)Support local supplier qualification assessmentSupport contract implementation plan developmentSupport on-going spot buy reduction initiatives locallyEnsure purchasing involvement in 85+% of all local non-commodity, non-logistic spendMonitor recurring spot buys to reduce the total amount of spot buysHighlight potential for catalogue and contract creation based on recurrent free text requestsPerform additional job responsibilities as directed by Purchasing ManagerSkills/Experience Requirements:Bachelor's degree preferred, in relevant discipline; high school diploma requiredMinimum of two years relevant purchasing experience requiredStrong analytical thinking (understand complex subjects, decompose into comparable components, structured evaluation and documentation)Thorough understanding of defined procurement P2P processesLocal supplier market awareness (for assigned commodities) and product/service portfolio insightsBasic sourcing (methodology) understanding including total Cost Ownership, Risk Management and Savings/Benefit monitoringFamiliar with the letter and spirit of the laws applicable to purchasing and supply managementProficiency in SAP considered an assetStrong verbal and written communication skillsGood computer skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SAPProven ability to work with minimal supervisionBunge (NYSE: BG) is a world leader in sourcing, processing and supplying oilseed and grain products and ingredients. Founded in 1818, Bunge s expansive network feeds and fuels a growing world, creating sustainable products and opportunities for more than 70,000 farmers and the consumers they serve across the globe. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and has 25,000 employees worldwide who stand behind more than 350 port terminals, oilseed processing plants, grain facilities, and food and ingredient production and packaging facilities around the world.Bunge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Bunge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled