Purchasing/Inventory Agent

About the role

The Purchasing Inventory Agent supports procurement and inventory operations by reviewing requisitions, processing purchase orders, coordinating vendor communications, and managing inventory and equipment-related activities. This role ensures timely acquisition of materials, accurate inventory control, efficient repair coordination, and cost-effective purchasing decisions to support organizational operations.

Responsibilities

• Review purchase requisitions for completeness, accuracy, budget coding, and proper allocation.
• Generate and process purchase orders in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Ensure appropriate support documentation is attached.
• Place orders with approved vendors and suppliers.
• Obtain quotes, bids, and pricing information as needed.
• Compare products, pricing, warranties, and delivery timelines to identify best-value purchasing options.
• Maintain positive working relationships with vendors and service providers.
• Track orders and manage order logistics to ensure timely delivery and issue resolution.
• Follow up on delayed shipments, backorders, and discrepancies.
• Cookied Development Centers provides early Childhood Education (ECE) and social services to 3,110 children in center-based and home-based settings, at more than 25 Child Development Centers (CDC) throughout the State of Washington. At these sites, Inspire employs over 1,000 staff on a $52 million annual budget. Inspire provides these services under various federal and state funded programs with differing regulations and stipulations, which must be coordinated and adhered to, including, but not limited to: Regional Head Start (RHS), Migrant Seasonal Head Start (MSHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and Early Head Start (EHS).
• Coordinate employee business travel and company events by arranging flights, accommodations, booking venues, and ground transportation while ensuring schedules and company travel policies were followed.
• Conduct routine equipment and inventory audits to ensure inventory accuracy and accountability.
• Maintain inventory records and update inventory management systems.
• Assign Equipment Property Tags to new equipment.
• Add new equipment to Asset Tracking System.
• Assist in identifying obsolete, damaged, or surplus inventory items.
• Manage incoming facility and equipment repair tickets.
• Evaluate repair requests and conduct repair-versus-replacement analysis.
• Coordinate service calls with vendors, technicians, and internal departments.
• Track repair status and ensure timely completion of work orders.
• Provide ongoing technical support and training to internal buyers.
• Follow-up on outstanding Purchase Orders per P.O. Status Report.
• Maintain vehicle registration files to ensure that all vehicle licensing is current.
• Assist the Purchasing/Inventory Manager with maintenance of the leasehold, land, building, and project(s) file.
• Coordinate the repair of special equipment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and abilities in specialized or technical field.
• Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment.
• Experience in policy and procedure development.
• Experience in strategic planning and facilitating planning groups.
• Experience in risk management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems.
• Ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to gather and analyze data for reports via multiple modes.
• Ability to maintain a good working relationship with all co-workers and the general public and to use good judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
• Detail oriented.
• Strong customer service focus.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse population.
• Proficiency with personal computer, including Microsoft Office.
• Accurate data management, documentation and recordkeeping skills.

Requirements

• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Proof of automobile insurance.
• Ability to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities.
• Pass initial and periodic criminal and background check.
• Pass initial and periodic employee health clearance (within forty-five (45) days of employment).
• Current First Aid / CPR cards (suggested for Safety Committee Members within thirty (30) days of membership).
• Subject to initial and periodic TB screen.
• Subject to random drug screen.
• Sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
• Sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement on an annual basis.