Purchasing Agent III

JOB TITLE: Purchasing Agent III Location: North Fort Myers, FL Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm Our benefits include: Company-wide annual incentive plan Medical, vision and dental insurance 401(k) plan with a generous 6% company match Company funded Pension Plan On-site wellness/medical facility Company paid Short & Long-Term Disability insurance Health Savings Account with an employer contribution Flexible Spending Accounts Paid time off and paid holidays Wellness program with financial rewards Tuition reimbursement Group life insurance Critical Illness and Accident Insurance LCEC provides reliable, cost-competitive electricity to more than 242,000 customers throughout a five-county service territory located in Southwest Florida. We employ approximately 445 skilled employees and are one of more than 900 electric distribution cooperatives located throughout the United States. LCEC has been recognized locally and statewide as an industry leader and continually receives acknowledgment for the work that our employees do in the community along with other civic, environmental and professional honors. Position Summary: This position is responsible for the procurement of goods and services in support of all LCEC divisions and departments. The purchasing agent works collaboratively with internal customers to assess needs and specifications within the assigned area of responsibility to meet the requester's unique requirements while optimizing inventory levels and minimizing carrying costs. Work is performed in accordance with LCEC Purchasing Procedures and Policies, the Uniform Commercial Code, state and local laws, and Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) guidelines and requirements. All work is performed under the general supervision of the Purchasing Supervisor. Position Responsibilities Procure goods and services at the right time, of the correct quantity, at competitive prices, and in compliance with established specifications. Determine method of procurement, such as direct purchase or bid. Prepare bid requests, review bid proposals, and negotiate contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority. Receives and reviews requisitions requesting goods or services. Ensure that purchase orders are placed and received accordingly for the assigned alliance commodities. Prepare and generate other related documentation as needed. This includes, but is not limited to, working with the ERP NISC iVue ordering system and the supply alliance programs to maintain the proper order fulfillment plan and investigate any stock out issues or overstock conditions. Utilize NISC iVue purchasing and inventory modules throughout the purchasing processes to track documents, drive all planning, sourcing and buying as well as contract management, document control and inventory management. Conduct supplier performance evaluations against defined metrics to include on time product delivery, adherence to contract terms and conditions, as well as product specifications, quality and quantity and vendor responsiveness. Analyze trends in purchasing data to assist in decision support, business planning, and financial forecasting. Estimate values according to knowledge of market price. Establish blanket orders to purchase repetitive items, by supplying prospective suppliers with estimated annual usage quantities and soliciting competitive quotations. Research potential new sources of supply and work with engineering to have alternative manufacturers approved to improve availability of products. Select products for purchase by testing, observing, or examining items. Expedite orders and requests as needed. Meet with representatives from manufacturing, marketing, and distribution products in order to improve relations, ensure product availability, and reduce costs associated with supply chain activities. Discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services with team members to determine root cause and take corrective action. Work with manufacturers for custom-designed items according to users’ specific needs and specifications as needed. Perform contract administration services, including maintenance of an approved contractor database, to ensure receipt of high quality, competitive proposals. Remain abreast of market trends, changes in business practices in the assigned markets, new or altered types of materials entering the market, etc. Maintain an up to date approved vendor insurance certification database. Ensure coverage is maintained with specified limits and endorsements for all approved contractors and consultants to LCEC. Maintain fuel credit card system. Request, issue, or cancel cards, reconcile fuel receipts against weekly invoices and Voyager month end invoices, post fuel records, and import fuel files into the Fleet Management program. Maintain vendor service invoice data in Fleet Management system, including mobile fueling records and perform the month end closing procedure. Maintain effective working relationships with employees and customers at all levels within LCEC. Ensure smooth operations, productive communications, and effective understanding during all interpersonal contacts. Provide current and accurate information to all requesters, courteously and in a timely manner. Perform special projects and other duties as may be required from time to time to support the division and LCEC. Education Bachelor's Degree Business Management, Accounting, or equivalent. (Required) Master's Degree Business or equivalent. (Preferred) Experience 10+ to 15 Years experience working in a supply chain or inventory control capacity. (Required) 7+ to 10 Years experience working in a computerized ERP purchasing or inventory environment. (Required) Experience with NISC iVue applications. Utility industry purchasing/inventory experience. (Preferred) Procurement experience in a Lean focused environment and/or formal Process Improvement training/experience. (Preferred) Professional experience in financial analysis and/or special project leadership. (Preferred) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities High level of proficiency with Excel, Word, and Outlook. (Required) Ability to work in collaborative environment using interactive skills for effective and positive relations. (Required) Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities. (Required) Accuracy in daily work and other projects. (Required) Ability to meet communicated schedules and deadlines. (Required) Ability to demonstrate effective negotiation, communication and leadership skills. (Required) Demonstrated excellent customer service orientation. (Required) Ability to prepare accurate RFP or RFQ and contract document package that protects LCEC terms and conditions. (Required) Ability to coordinate pre-bid and pre-construction meetings to support project schedules and obtain necessary approvals. (Required) Familiarity with an automated materials management, bar code system. (Preferred) Knowledge of FEMA Procurement and Contracting Requirements. (Preferred) Additional Licenses and Certifications Industry standard procurement certification (Preferred) Physical Demands and Working Environment: The physical demands and working environment characteristics described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands: Standing Occasionally, Walking Occasionally, Sitting Constantly, Lifting Rarely, Carrying Rarely, Pushing Rarely, Pulling Rarely, Climbing Rarely, Balancing Rarely, Stooping Rarely, Kneeling Rarely, Crouching Rarely, Crawling Rarely, Reaching Rarely, Handling Occasionally, Grasping Occasionally, Feeling Rarely, Talking Constantly, Hearing Constantly, Repetitive Motions Frequently, Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Frequently, Working Environment: Constantly Air-conditioned office environment, Rarely Extreme cold, Rarely Extreme heat, Rarely Humidity, Rarely Wet, Occasionally Noise, Rarely Hazards, Rarely Temperature Change, Rarely Atmospheric Conditions, Rarely Vibration. STORM DUTY REQUIREMENTS.... Responding to storms will be considered a condition of employment: LCEC provides critical services to our community during an emergency. Employees are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our LCEC members. Employees are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's guidelines and procedures. Please note that at the time a candidate is made a job offer, the candidate will be subject to a background check and a drug screening. Required SkillsRequired Experience