Purchasing Agent

Job Summary

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for managing the full purchasing cycle for assigned materials and services to support manufacturing operations, customer demand, and business objectives. This role requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to balance cost, quality, delivery, and supplier performance.

The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and skilled at building strong supplier relationships while identifying opportunities to reduce costs, improve lead times, and ensure the timely availability of materials. The Purchasing Agent will work closely with Production, Warehouse, Sales, and Management to maintain material flow, minimize supply disruptions, and support overall operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

· Procure raw materials, components, and operational supplies in alignment with production schedules and usage trends.

· Issue and manage purchase orders in the ERP system (Priority or similar), ensuring accuracy in price, quantity, delivery dates, and specifications.

· Confirm vendor acknowledgments and proactively resolve discrepancies related to size/grade, price, or delivery with the materials manager.

· Review ERP-generated procurement reports and open purchase order reports; follow up with suppliers to ensure timely delivery or expedition when necessary.

· Negotiate with vendors for best overall value, including pricing, lead times, and available discounts.

· Track and update pricing histories, providing timely cost updates to Sales, Estimating, Project Management, and Operations.

· Collaborate daily with materials manager/supply chain team to ensure smooth material flow and minimize stockouts or excess.

· Monitor vendor performance, research new sources of supply, and support cost-saving and continuous improvement initiatives.

· Communicate material constraints, delays, or unusual vendor situations with materials manager and other supply team members to avoid production interruptions.

· Organize and maintain purchasing documents in compliance with company retention procedures.

· Support inventory cycle counts and assist in maintaining appropriate stock levels.

· Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

2+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment

· Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production requirements, and material handling.

· Demonstrated negotiation skills with the ability to achieve competitive pricing and favorable supplier terms.

· Experience managing the purchasing process from purchase order creation through delivery and issue resolution.

· Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

· Strong organization skills and attention to detail, especially regarding purchase order accuracy, pricing and delivery commitments.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external suppliers.

· Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

· Ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple suppliers and purchase orders, and respond effectively to changing business needs.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and comfort with data entry and reporting.

· Self-motivated and proactive, with a strong sense of accountability and urgency.

Core Competencies

· Negotiation and cost management

· Manufacturing and supply chain knowledge

· Supplier relationship management

· Planning and organization

· Analytical thinking and problem-solving

· Cross-functional communication

· Attention to detail and ERP accuracy

· Accountability, initiative, and urgency

Overall Objective: Ensure assigned materials and services are purchased at the right cost, meet required quality standards, and are delivered when needed to support manufacturing operations and customer commitments.

Pay: $58,200.00 - $70,300.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person