Purchasing Agent

Overview

Procure materials or other goods and coordinate activities involved with purchasing products and services such as materials, equipment, tools, parts, and supplies. Position requires the regular use of independent judgment and discretion in performing job duties. Support empirical’s research and development activities through a hands-on approach for machine development, where machinery is often built, modified, scrapped, re-designed, re-built, and re-modified as part of a continual process of change based on the specific goals and challenges associated with any one project, requiring purchasing personnel to be responsible for the purchasing and tracking of parts during this development process.

Responsibilities

• Receive and review requisition requests for completion and authorized approvals.
• Prepare purchase orders, obtain quotes, and carry out related administrative tasks.
• Communicate with vendors to negotiate pricing and obtain information related to price, specifications, delivery, and sources of supply. Update and keep records on related projects.
• Arrange and expedite freight for orders.
• Assist in resolving purchasing or contractual related disputes. Communicate and work with management until resolution is reached.
• Research and assist management in the selection of materials, parts, equipment, and tooling items, as needed. Provide information, as needed, regarding price comparisons, quality, availability etc.
• Process and maintain purchasing records, such as costs, delivery, product quality or performance, inventory, and usage. Maintain purchasing library and related catalogs.
• Investigate discrepancies between purchase order, receiver, and invoice. Communicate and work with vendors, company management, and appropriate department personnel to resolve issues.
• Manage forklift and vehicle fleet. Responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and tracking of forklift and vehicles. Will schedule and negotiate with vendors regarding service and parts. Overall responsibility to ensure forklifts and vehicles are safe, in good operating order, and available when needed.
• Will provide backup support to other purchasing agents to cover or assist in coverage, scheduling conflicts, etc.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must have basic math skills.
• General computer knowledge and proficiency is required.
• Prior experience with Accounting Software and Microsoft Office is preferred.

Demonstrated Competencies

• Accuracy, organization, and attention to detail is required.
• Ability to adapt to conflicting deadlines and priorities established by company demands.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of employees as necessary, both in verbal and written form.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with various vendors.
• Must have regular and punctual attendance.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able and willing to work flexible hours, including weekends.

Experience:  Minimum of 1 year of experience in a purchasing agent role is preferred. Experience in the food processing industry is desired.Education:  High School diploma or equivalent, or verifiable ability to perform essential job functions. Department:   Purchasing