Purchasing Agent

About the role

The purchasing agent is a newly created role which will play a vital role in the demand planning and supplier performance for the business. They will evaluate and procure goods and services for our organization. Together with Strategic Purchasing, they secure the best value by researching suppliers, comparing prices, and being involved in the negotiation of contracts. They also track inventory, monitor shipments, and coordinate with the Buyer to approve purchase orders, and resolve discrepancies.

Responsibilities

• Identify, interview, and evaluate potential vendors based on product quality, cost-efficiency, and speed of delivery
• Request and analyze cost proposals and bids to submit to Strategic Purchaser for possible negotiation of favorable prices, discounts, and delivery terms
• Responsible for completing supplier ratings for indirect supplies, and provides support for raw materials
• As Buyer, or support to buyer, when reviewing requisition requests, preparing and submitting purchase orders, and authorizing payments
• Support Buyer by monitoring stock levels to prevent shortages, track shipments, & confirm the delivery of goods
• Develop and execute strategy for indirect material and secondary supplier selection, qualification, and authorization
• Develop KPIs pertinent for the Purchasing and Supply Planning activities for the North American business unit
• Track and communicate all aspects of factors which may impact the sourcing and receipt of raw materials, including but not limited to, supply chain concerns, raw material shortages, price variations, geo-political concerns, etc.
• Responsible for, in conjunction with legal and strategic purchasing, risk mitigation with regard to suppliers
• Create and maintains material master data product and indirect material
• Maintain accurate records of all purchases, contracts, and supplier performance metrics
• Supports customer requalification audits
• Carefully coordinates with Strategic Purchasing on all vendor negotiation procedures
• Develop and execute communication and coordination plans with Production, Supply Chain/Scheduling, and transportation vendors
• Drive continuous improvement efforts within local purchasing for improved efficiency, performance, and cost savings
• Has the ability to source and purchase within the guidelines set out by Schreiner Group LP & Schreiner Group GmbH & Co. KG.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher educational degree in Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or related discipline
• May be supplemented by equivalent work, or other education experience
• 3-5 years’ experience in a purchasing role, or as a customer service representative, sales account manager, and/or project coordinator or related role
• Intermediate to advanced level of computer knowledge in the Microsoft Office Suites
• Experience with SAP, CRMs, and/or supply chain programs a plus

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 30 pounds
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time