Purchasing Agent

Responsibilities

• Purchase and maintain adequate inventory levels at multiple warehouses throughout the Southeast.
• Leverage available reporting to determine purchasing needs while optimizing containerloads, truckloads, or LTL’s based on supplier requirements.
• Balance necessary inventory and freight minimums for cost-effective decision making.
• Work in conjunction with the Supply Chain Analytics team to support demand planning and enhance forecast accuracy. Convey changes in demand as received from internal stakeholders.
• Identify urgent supply needs and act where necessary to avoid stockouts. Maintain customer service levels as determined by leadership.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely and accurate delivery of materials to the distribution centers.
• Evaluate supplier performance and participate in supplier reviews as necessary.
• Communicate with branch operations regarding urgent deliveries, receiving discrepancies, and damages; work with necessary parties to resolve issues.
• Analyze inventory turns; identify and execute upon opportunities for improvement. Leverage regional operational network to transfer inventory when needed.
• In partnership with Accounts Payable, review supplier invoices with deviations and work with suppliers and/or branches to resolve. Ensure prompt pay discounts are being achieved through timely invoice resolution.
• Address past due warehouse and drop ship purchase orders and transfers. Communicate supplier backorders to necessary parties throughout the organization and suggest alternative products where available.
• Work with Master Data Management on item attribute changes or updates to maintain data accuracy and integrity.
• Analyze purchasing data to identify trends, opportunities for cost reduction, and areas for process improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field is preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or purchasing is required; experience in a distribution or logistics environment preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of sourcing strategies, contract terms, and supplier relationship management.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices, industry trends, and regulations.