Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent

The Purchasing Agent supports a growing manufacturing operation by managing procurement activities, coordinating with internal teams, and maintaining strong supplier relationships. This role focuses on purchasing raw materials, managing purchase orders, monitoring supplier performance, and ensuring timely, cost-effective, and high-quality material availability to support production and customer commitments.

Responsibilities

• Purchase raw materials and production-related components to meet manufacturing requirements and ensure continuous material availability.
• Create, manage, and maintain purchase orders with accurate pricing, delivery schedules, and inventory details.
• Coordinate closely with production, planning, and operations teams to support ongoing manufacturing needs and resolve material-related issues.
• Monitor supplier lead times and proactively address material shortages, delays, or delivery concerns.
• Expedite critical orders when necessary to support customer requirements and production commitments.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers to support reliable supply and service.
• Evaluate vendor performance using delivery performance, responsiveness, quality standards, compliance requirements, and supplier scorecard metrics.
• Hold suppliers accountable to contractual and operational expectations, including quality, delivery, and service levels.
• Identify opportunities for new supplier development and continuous improvement in the supply base.
• Participate in supplier negotiations to achieve cost savings, favorable terms, and improved service levels.
• Support inventory planning efforts to maintain material availability while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Analyze procurement and supplier performance data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Assist with supplier scorecard management, maintenance, and reporting to internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with operations teams to improve procurement processes and overall supply chain efficiency.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation, purchasing records, and supplier information.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office tools to manage purchasing activities, track orders, and support reporting.
• Generate reports related to purchasing activity, supplier performance, and inventory metrics to support decision-making.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience purchasing raw materials such as metals, hardware, packaging, or manufactured components.
• Proven experience managing purchase orders and supplier relationships in a production-focused setting.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across production, planning, and operations teams.
• Strong negotiation skills to support supplier discussions, cost savings, and improved service levels.
• Ability to analyze procurement and supplier performance data to identify trends and opportunities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in managing purchasing records, documentation, and system data.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple open orders, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a job shop manufacturing environment.
• Supplier scorecard or vendor performance management experience.
• Experience working with international suppliers and global supply chains.
• Hands-on experience with JobBOSS or similar ERP software.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field.
• Background in purchasing, supply chain, ERP usage, inventory management, and negotiation.
• Interest in continuous improvement and contributing ideas to enhance procurement and supply chain processes.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role, Monday through Friday, typically from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with some flexibility available. You will be part of a 10-person Production Planning & Control team that includes office, warehouse, and shop personnel, working closely with colleagues across the operation. The position reports into a Master Scheduler who values curiosity, accountability, and professional growth. The work environment is collaborative and change-oriented, with ongoing restructuring and evolution within the broader organization, particularly in sales and marketing. Employees are encouraged to learn, share ideas, and grow their careers, contributing to continuous improvement in procurement and supply chain practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.76 - $39.42/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Paul, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 2026.