Purchasing Agent

About the Role

M&M Industries is a U.S.-based manufacturer of plastic pails and packaging solutions, operating in a fast-paced environment where effective purchasing, inventory management, and supplier coordination are crucial. The Purchasing Coordinator plays a vital role in purchase order entry, post-entry supply chain tracking, and liaison between Plant Production and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Verifies purchase requisitions by comparing requested raw materials to the master list and clarifying unclear items.
• Recommends alternatives for out-of-stock MRO items requested by Production.
• Forwards available inventory items by verifying stock and scheduling delivery.
• Verifies part numbers, specifications, and item pricing prior to releasing purchase orders to vendors.
• Obtains recommendations from suppliers for substitute items and verifies appropriate approval levels based on requisition spend amount.
• Obtains purchased items by forwarding orders to suppliers, notifying requesting personnel, and monitoring and expediting orders as needed.
• Verifies receipt of items using the ERP system and resolves shipment discrepancies with suppliers.
• Maintains accessible electronic copies of proof of purchase and order-related information.
• Provides purchasing planning and control information by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends for weekly reporting to the Plant Manager.
• Updates job knowledge through educational opportunities.
• Participates in cycle counts of raw materials on a weekly and/or daily basis.
• Utilizes company ERP system(s) for tracking purchases, inventory levels, resolving open purchase orders, and performing data analysis.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word, with strong Excel skills for data export, spreadsheet creation, and linking.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Knowledge of MRP required.
• Knowledge of rail service preferred.
• Business degree or equivalent experience required.

Experience

• One (1) to two (2) years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with MRP preferred.
• Experience with rail service preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to occasionally lift and handle 45–50 pounds repetitively.
• Ability to work in a standing and/or sitting position.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures.
• Ability to wear required PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on the first day of employment.
• Paid vacation and discretionary time off (DTO) based on position and tenure.
• Paid company holidays after 90 days.
• 401(k) with company match beginning after 90 days.
• Educational reimbursement after one year of employment.
• Quarterly profit sharing for eligible employees when performance thresholds are met.
• Time-and-a-half for hourly employees working on recognized holidays.