Purchasing Agent

This position will oversee strategic purchasing activities for materials, components, and external services required to support manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will work with suppliers across multiple locations, maintain appropriate inventory levels, support cost-management objectives, and contribute to the development of effective procurement strategies and performance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct domestic and international sourcing activities for materials, components, and outsourced manufacturing processes.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, delivery schedules, lead times, and other commercial terms for materials supporting multiple production facilities.
• Develop, maintain, and distribute procurement-related reports and purchasing data as required.
• Manage the supplier base, including supplier performance, relationship development, and opportunities for vendor consolidation.
• Monitor inventory requirements and purchasing activity to support customer delivery commitments while maintaining efficient use of company working capital.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic purchasing policies, procedures, objectives, and performance measurements.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation and follow established purchasing processes and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal departments to address material availability, delivery, quality, and purchasing concerns.
• Provide support, direction, and knowledge-sharing to junior members of the purchasing team.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems; Microsoft Dynamics experience is preferred.
• Strong analytical and organizational capabilities with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments, manage time effectively, and consistently meet procurement deadlines.
• Comprehensive understanding of purchasing practices, procurement procedures, supplier agreements, and commercial contracts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate and compliant purchasing records.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain productive supplier relationships while ensuring quality, delivery, cost, and service expectations are achieved.
• Strong negotiation capabilities with a demonstrated ability to obtain competitive and favorable commercial terms.
• Ability to provide guidance and support to less-experienced purchasing personnel.
• Must be capable of handling ITAR-controlled information without requiring an ITAR license.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing, procurement, or a comparable role within a manufacturing organization.
• Experience supporting a manufacturing company with approximately $20M–$50M in annual revenue is required.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• This is an on-site position requiring regular in-person attendance.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Extended periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Occasional bending, squatting, reaching, and movement within the workplace.
• Travel may be required periodically to support supplier relationships, sourcing activities, and business needs.

Additional Responsibilities

This job description summarizes the primary functions and requirements of the position but is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may be modified, expanded, or reassigned at any time based on operational requirements and changing business needs.