Purchasing Specialist

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for identifying and maintaining global sources of commodities and specialty ingredients for the personal care, food, and household products industry. The duties include selecting suppliers, price negotiation and awarding purchasing orders, claims negotiation, and managing relationships between our company and vendors. Responsible for coordinating all aspects of customs clearance for all import shipments (via air, ocean, and truck), verifying information accuracy, resolving any import problems, and coordinating all delivery arrangements from the arrival ports to our facilities. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Identify and source new suppliers and vendors through a selection process based on price, quality, support, capacity, and reliability. Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key approved suppliers and vendors. Negotiate and administer purchase orders with suppliers in support of organizational requirements. Measure and manage vendor and supplier costs, quality, and delivery performance while also ensuring compliance with contractual agreements, internal quality standards, and external regulations. Oversee the purchase order process to ensure the timely placement of purchase orders as well as proper authorization and compliance with company policies and procedures. Actively manage inventory by working with various departments to monitor product need, supply, and demand. Manage complete end-to-end import process, including coordination of inbound pipeline from overseas point of origin to Coast Southwest, preparation of documents for import of cargo, facilitating cargo through the import process, and management of delivery carriers. Proactively communicate Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) for all purchase orders to the appropriate people or departments. Maintain accurate records to include vendor information, purchase history, and order tracking. Analyze market and supplier price trends to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate supply chain risks. Identifies and communicates problems, takes responsibility, and implements effective solutions. Perform quarterly physical inventory and enter results into the system. Create non-inventory purchase orders for maintenance equipment and supplies. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Business Administration, Purchasing, Logistics, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, and/or supply chain management. Experience in the chemical and/or specialty ingredients industry is strongly preferred. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with demonstrated negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal and external customers. Working knowledge of supply chain logistics, inventory management, and customs/import procedures. Customer-focused with an understanding of the critical role sales plays in overall business success. Demonstrated accountability, sound judgment, and a commitment to conducting business with integrity and high ethical standards. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint). Experience with Datacor ERP/Chempax or similar ERP systems is preferred. Ability to travel occasionally, as business needs require, including attendance at trade shows and supplier or customer meetings. Ability to work full-time in an on-site work environment. WORKING ENVIRONMENT (PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS) The demands of this job include: The physical and mental capacity to effectively perform all essential job duties and responsibilities. Must be able to concentrate on details, work under deadline pressures, apply sound logic and judgment, and prioritize tasks and responsibilities. Must be able to focus and multitask in a busy environment and maintain composure in potentially stressful situations. Maintain effective and professional relationships with executives, staff, customers, vendors, and governmental agencies. Access to and maintenance of confidential and sensitive information. Must undergo and meet company standards for background checks, drug testing, and behavioral assessments. Employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk. Ability to verbally communicate both in person and via telephone. Ability to utilize various office equipment, including computer, telephone, fax machine, and copy machine. Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 10 pounds. #J-18808-Ljbffr