Purchasing Agent

Duties/Responsibilities

• Negotiates and implements new business opportunities with suppliers.
• Manages day-to-day business and addresses opportunities such as billing, account setup, member feedback, etc.
• Manages projects and communicates internally to gather information and assist with member requests.
• Analyzes Purchasing Assessment data and proposes strategies.
• Prepares, conducts, and follows up on supplier business review meetings.
• Determine and communicate need for any expedited materials. Carry out agreed upon expediting plans.
• Research/investigate and interview prospective vendors for new materials. Lead vendor qualification process in accordance with ISO standards.
• Negotiate with vendors regarding terms & conditions, schedules, price reductions, etc. Deliver year over year cost reduction.
• Analyze product demand, trends, forecasts, safety stocks and recommend inventory adjustments accordingly.
• Analyze general market conditions/indices of key raw material feed stocks that impact short and long term price trends. Reports risks to management.
• Provides regular detailed purchase price variance reports to management.
• Maintain current inventory records; drive inventory reductions.
• Maintain current and accurate information within the ERP system, including current due dates in accordance with updates from suppliers.
• Work closely with accounting staff to process and pay all invoices in a timely manner.
• Work to improve/streamline purchasing processes and activities.
• Foster clear communication and develop positive relationships with all suppliers, domestic and international.
• Review concerns and issues regarding production status with production team, and/or management to ensure on-time delivery and proper communication both internally and externally.
• Proactively identify supplier/supply risks with timely reports to management including risk mitigation plans.
• Prepare reports and input information into business management systems at month-end closing, taking care to recognize discrepancies and make adjustments as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma: or two-to-four years related experience preferred.
• Minimum of 1 years' experience in purchasing or buying a plus.
• Printing industry experience is preferred (although not required).