Purchasing Agent

Responsibilities

• Reviews supply requisitions and coordinates with requesting department to clarify requirements, specifications, quantity, quality, lead-time, standardization and delivery issues.
• Solicits and analyzes quotations for stock materials, new and non-standard materials and supplies.
• Places purchase orders in a prompt and timely manner with a high degree of accuracy.
• Follows-up on orders to expedite/de-expedite materials as needed by the requesting department or to manage inventory while improving service to user department.
• Analyzes purchase patterns, inventory levels and materials supplied by various suppliers to leverage purchasing activities, reduce materials total cost and reduce inventory investment.
• Negotiate with suppliers to obtain the best combination of price, quality, quantity, delivery and supplier responsiveness consistent with volume commitments.
• Analyzes materials purchased to identify opportunities for standardization. Defines the specific benefits of standardization and works with the quality committee to implement appropriate standardizations.
• Works with suppliers to manage the return and replacement of materials damaged, defective, missing or not meeting the purchasing specification.
• Communicates with user departments any changes made by vendor to the requisition.
• Closely monitors retrieval of packing slips from user department.
• Keeps accurate and current data such as pricing in the purchasing system.
• Maintains effective communication with user departments and accounts payable department.
• Routinely monitors inventory levels to optimize inventory investment while keeping adequate amount of supplies and materials in stock to support daily operations.
• Identifies new suppliers and develops and manages supplier relations for maximum mutual benefit.
• From a variety of sources, keeps informed regarding market conditions and trends, new products and processes. Summarizes and communicates this information to management with recommendations for specific application at CLH.
• Insures that all purchasing related activities comply with applicable laws and government regulations, accepted trade practices and medical care standards relating to the ordering department.
• Identifies problem areas affecting or affected by purchasing, keeps management informed and recommends constructive corrective actions.
• Audits and approves invoices. Resolves discrepancies with suppliers and insures accurate and complete information is in the purchasing system.
• Adheres to safety, confidentiality, compliance, and legal requirements.
• Evaluates suppliers on multiple criteria price, quality, service support, availability, reliability, and selection.
• Performs in the company Spill Management team as assigned.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Four year college education in Business, Accounting, or related studies or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years experience in purchasing.
• 2 years of increasingly responsible management experience in the maritime industry.
• Experienced in fuel terminal operations and controls.
• Computer Skills: Word, Excel, Purchasing and Accounting software.
• Knowledge of accounts payable and basic accounting principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of contract law, the Uniform Commercial Code and DOT regulations.
• Knowledge of automated procurement and inventory control systems.
• Knowledge of oil transportation and marine industry.
• Well-developed written oral communications and human relation skills evidenced in dealing with vendors, staff and all levels of Centerline employees.
• Ability to plan and manage projects and obtain goals that may shift with changing priorities.
• Ability to motivate employees and obtain total commitment from them.
• Skill in leading productive and efficient intra and inter-department meetings.
• Ability to deal with others using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive communications.
• Comprehensive knowledge of domestic sources of supply.
• Ability to understand instructions, reason, and make judgments.
• Ability to perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently or with no guidance.
• Ability to get along with office staff and terminal employees.
• Office Machine skills: Use of Computer, copy Machine, Fax Machine, 10 Key.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.