Purchasing Agent

Position Overview: For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, the Purchasing Agent is responsible for ensuring timely and efficient availability of products to meet organizational needs. This role involves sourcing and evaluating suppliers, negotiating favorable terms, and supporting supply chain objectives such as cost optimization, supplier quality, on-time delivery, and inventory management. Key Responsibilities: Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with sales, operations, and finance teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives and operational demands. Risk Management: Anticipate and mitigate supply chain risks, including supplier reliability, market fluctuations, and potential disruptions. Supplier Sourcing: Identify potential suppliers, solicit bids, and assess options to ensure the best combination of quality, cost, and delivery. Contract Negotiation: Secure favorable terms with suppliers, including pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and volume discounts. Purchase Order Management: Generate accurate purchase orders, detailing item specifications, quantities, and terms, while adhering to company policies. Supplier Relations: Maintain strong supplier relationships through clear communication, timely follow-ups, and issue resolution to ensure seamless operations. Market Analysis: Stay informed on industry trends, pricing changes, and innovative products to identify cost-saving opportunities and enhance procurement practices. Inventory Coordination: Work with the Inventory Control team to balance stock levels, anticipate demand, and minimize overstock or stockouts. Quality Assurance: Verify that procured goods meet company quality standards; coordinate resolutions for any quality discrepancies. Supplier Performance Tracking: Use KPIs to monitor and evaluate supplier performance, sharing insights with the Purchasing Manager to inform strategic decisions. Budget Management: Analyze procurement costs to ensure alignment with organizational budgets while maximizing value. Compliance & Ethics: Ensure adherence to all legal, ethical, and company standards during procurement activities. Process Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to procurement workflows to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Additional Duties: Perform other responsibilities as assigned by management. Required Skills & Competencies: Hands-on experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) systems. Familiarity with procurement in a distribution environment. Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective stakeholder and supplier engagement. Ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment. Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy. Customer-focused mindset, catering to both internal and external stakeholders. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Flexibility and adaptability to shifting priorities while maintaining quality outcomes. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business, Supply Chain, or Operations. 3-5 years of purchasing or planning experience, ideally in a distribution or similar environment. Experience or involvement in MRP/ERP implementation is a plus. Working Conditions: The role may require occasional travel for supplier visits or company meetings. The work environment is typically office-based, with a focus on using technology and systems to streamline procurement operations. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to supply chain excellence and drive meaningful improvements in procurement and inventory management processes.