Purchasing Agent

This position will support the manufacturing facility by buying goods and services that ensures a cost effectiveness and timely supply. This position is also responsible for maintaining ERP system data accuracy and integrity, measuring and monitoring supplier performance, supplier negotiations, and developing a purchasing plan to minimize our inventory levels and stock outs, while increasing our service level to our customers.

• Review standard material requirements through MRP and complete the recommended actions daily. Unlimited approval authority.
• Plan and procure the required materials using methods that reduces the total inventory value, generates a positive PPV, and that improves operating margins.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, and Production to validate the purchased items meet the required specifications. Responsible for vendor communications upon collaboration.
• Measure, monitor, and communicate to our suppliers their performance in Delivery, cost, quality, and ease of doing business/communication. Using the measurements, work with suppliers to improve overall performance and improve service level to our customers.
• Responsible for maintaining accurate supplier data and coordinate input into the ERP system.
• Source new products and suppliers to improve our material and freight costs, while maintaining quality standards. Sole authority for vendor choice/change.
• Review and optimize workflow to ensure efficiency in the purchasing process.
• Work through issues/problems that arise using analytical and logical thought processes, correct issues as needed or work to eliminate reoccurrence.
• Must comply with safety and company guidelines pertaining to business ethics.
• Develop purchasing plans using input from the production plans. Upon production review, responsible for all supplies and BOM purchases without dollar limit. This includes raw fiber.
• Responsible for creation and approval of purchase orders for all Bill of Material Items, Kanban items, and one time MRO purchases (MRO up to $80000).

• Research and source new suppliers as needed.
• Manage various internal data collection projects, as directed.
• Train and educate internal personnel regarding analyzed data and recommended process changes.
• Train and educate internal process users based on process/SOP changes.

• Coordination between all leads, supervisors, and managers of the various departments to ensure no stock-outs.
• This position interfaces with Production, Engineering, Safety, QA, Maintenance, and Finance.

• Annual objective will be established for purchasing spend and PPV targets.

• Strong knowledge of material purchasing and procurement to payment process.
• Ability to multi-task, excellent follow through, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of JIT, Kanban, and Vendor Managed Inventory(VMI) implementation.
• Strong customer service skills and detail oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Excellent organization/interpersonal skills

• Minimum of 3 years in a purchasing function.
• 2 year college education preferred.

• Ability to handle multiple consecutive projects
• Team-based attitude
• Good analytical skills
• Good written & verbal skills