Procurement Agent

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely delivery of high-quality goods and services.
• Analyze purchasing trends and patterns to optimize procurement processes and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand and identify their procurement needs and requirements.
• Manage RFPs, RFQs, and bids for procurement projects across applicable sublocations and states.
• Negotiate contract terms and conditions with suppliers and vendors to ensure favorable pricing and delivery terms.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures.
• Prepare sourcing events, qualify vendors, and negotiate terms and conditions.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders, maintain accurate purchasing record documentation, expedite delivery, ensure vendors are appropriately set up before issuing purchase order.
• Partner with vendors, finance and/or operations to ensure alignment of planning, forecasting, budgeting, contracts, supplier management, invoicing and resolve and problems or discrepancies.
• Participate regularly in procurement related training and provide support to operations.
• Gather real-time customer feedback to ensure team is reducing costs and adding value to operations.
• Procure both capital and operating budget items following procurement best practices including obtaining quotes/bids, negotiation, and contract management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field.
• CPP (Certified Purchasing Professional) or equivalent certification preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in purchasing/procurement with knowledge of agrochemicals and fertilizers.
• Previous farming/Ag experience strongly desired.
• Broad knowledge of purchasing practices, legal applications, reporting and financial analysis.
• Strong technical skills and familiarity with Inventory or Warehouse Mgmt Systems and/or ERP tools.
• Working knowledge in process improvement using Six Sigma or similar quality assurance discipline.
• Strong demonstrated interpersonal, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Bilingual Spanish or Portuguese a plus.
• Able to work overtime and travel up to 25% to various office/farm locations, both domestically and internationally.