Senior Purchasing Agent

SUMMARY

This position involves a variety of purchasing responsibilities and requires extensive knowledge of materials and externally sourced services. The role is responsible for obtaining materials, equipment, services, and supplies at the lowest possible cost while maintaining required standards for quality, quantity, availability, and supplier reliability.

The position ensures that purchased materials and outsourced services are delivered according to specifications, budget, and schedule while preventing interruptions to production and workflow.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

• Price, negotiate, and purchase materials, services, and supplies in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Work collaboratively with all departments to confirm the progress of jobs requiring outside services and coordinate with Shipping and Receiving on the logistics of materials being sent to or returned from outside service providers.
• Review bid proposals and negotiate contracts within established budgetary limitations and levels of authority.
• Maintain accurate records of purchased materials and services, including delivery dates, suppliers, costs, product quality, performance, and inventory.
• Follow and manage applicable Outside Services Certificate of Conformance (CoC) processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Track and manage supplier deliveries and investigate and resolve discrepancies involving pricing, terms and conditions, delivery requirements, and other aspects of supplier orders.
• Work closely with Customer Service to ensure purchase orders are complete and accurate, including pricing for all procurement items.
• Assist Account Executives and Customer Service with requests for die lines, mockups, folding dummies, paper samples, ink draws, and other purchasing-related needs.
• Manage outside-service purchasing requests for all locations, including incoming and outgoing jobs.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve operations, reduce turnaround times, streamline processes, and collaborate across departments to provide seamless, high-quality customer service.
• Provide backup support to other members of the Support team as needed.
• Understand and fulfill responsibilities within the organization's Quality Management System, including applicable ISO and FSC/SFI requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of five years of purchasing experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment, or demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to perform the responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of paper products and extensive knowledge of printing processes.
• Exceptional mathematical and analytical skills with the ability to analyze and interpret supplier quotes, contracts, pricing, and other supplier-related information.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization.
• Highly developed negotiation skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft software products and other PC-based applications.
• Strong work-planning and scheduling skills, including knowledge of related procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent computer work and prolonged periods of sitting.
• Occasional lifting of 50 pounds or more.
• Occasional pulling, pushing, bending, reaching, kneeling, stooping, and climbing ladders or stairs.
• Occasional operation of mechanical equipment and motor vehicles.

Labor Solutions, LLC is a leader in the professional, temporary, and direct hire industry throughout the Midwest area. Our clients range from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations, and while we are big enough to serve Fortune 100 companies, we are small enough to stay nimble in an always-changing market.

Thank you!