Purchasing Agent (34724)

Position Summary The Purchasing Agent is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and procuring goods, materials, and services necessary for the company’s operations. This role involves researching suppliers, negotiating contracts, managing purchase orders, and monitoring inventory levels to ensure timely and cost-effective purchasing that meets quality standards. The Purchasing Agent/Buyer collaborates closely with internal departments to support business needs, maintain supplier relationships, and uphold compliance with company policies and regulatory standards.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Research, identify, and evaluate potential suppliers to align with company requirements for quality, cost, reliability, and delivery capabilities.
• Qualify and maintain the approved supplier list, fostering strong, long-term partnerships with key suppliers.
• Continuously monitor supplier performance to ensure quality and on-time delivery.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to secure cost-effective agreements that align with company goals.
• Draft, review, and finalize purchase agreements, ensuring they comply with company policies and standards.
• Periodically review contract terms to identify opportunities for improved procurement costs and terms.
• Create and manage purchase orders with accuracy and ensure timely approvals.
• Track orders to ensure timely delivery, addressing any delays, shortages, or quality issues with suppliers.
• Manage the life cycle of the purchase order from inception through payment
• Maintain comprehensive records of purchases, pricing, inventory changes, and payment statuses.
• Collaborate with warehouse and inventory teams to monitor inventory levels and help prevent stockouts or overstock situations.
• Work closely with internal teams to forecast demand and adjust purchasing strategies accordingly.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and inventory optimization without compromising quality.
• Ensure all procured items meet company quality and compliance standards and resolve any quality issues with suppliers.
• Conduct regular assessments to ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
• Maintain records of supplier performance and procurement activities for audit and compliance purposes.
• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, and other departments to align purchasing activities with business objectives.
• Provide regular updates and reports on procurement activities, supplier performance, and cost metrics.
• Support cross-functional projects to improve procurement processes and overall supply chain efficiency.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective completion of tasks and projects.

Qualifications Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• 3-5 years proven experience as a Purchasing Agent, Buyer, or in a similar procurement role, preferably in construction industry.

Required Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

• Certification in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., CPSM, CPP).
• Experience with ERP systems or procurement software.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and best practices.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency with procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of market dynamics, supply chain processes, and inventory management principles.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job operates in a clerical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Requires mobility within an office environment.
• Regularly required to talk and hear. Effectively communicate with others both written and orally, including using the telephone.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• The employee may be required to walk; reach with hands and arms; and bend.
• May be required to stoop, kneel, and crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Possess good hearing, normal or corrected.
• The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• The employee may be required to climb stairs.
• Must be able to work 8 hours a day, 40 hours per week, and overtime as required and night or weekend shifts, as needed.

CEC Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining the best-qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.