Purchasing Agent

Role Description:

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for purchasing the materials, supplies, equipment and services needed to support the plant and warehouse operations. This position works closely with internal departments and suppliers to ensure purchasing needs are met with the right balance of quality, cost, and timely delivery.

The Purchasing Agent is also responsible for maintaining supplier relationships, negotiating pricing and terms, monitoring inventory and purchasing needs, and coordinating orders and deliveries to support daily operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Warehouse, and other departments to understand their purchasing needs, specifications, quantities, and delivery timelines. Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment so materials and supplies are available when needed.
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, availability, service, and delivery.
• Review purchasing specifications and requirements to ensure materials, equipment, and supplies meet operational needs, quality standards, and applicable food safety requirements.
• Review purchasing requests, obtain and compare quotes, negotiate pricing and terms, including payment, delivery, freight, and warranties, and prepare purchase orders.
• Purchase raw materials, packaging materials, machinery and equipment, spare parts, maintenance supplies, and other items needed for plant and warehouse operations.
• Follow up on orders and deliveries and address delays, shortages, pricing differences, or other issues that could affect operations.
• Build and maintain good working relationships with suppliers, equipment manufacturers, service providers, and logistics partners.
• Monitor supplier performance and work with suppliers and internal departments to resolve product issues with damaged, defective, or incorrect items, as well as concerns related to pricing, quality, delivery, and service.
• Look for opportunities to improve pricing and purchasing terms through competitive quotes, volume purchasing, order consolidation, and alternative suppliers.
• Keep up with pricing and market changes, new suppliers, and products that may benefit the operation. Attend supplier meetings, trade shows, or industry events when needed.
• Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, pricing, deliveries, invoices, receipts, supplier information, contracts, and other related documents.
• Prepare purchasing and inventory reports as requested and communicate any supply, pricing, or delivery concerns that could affect operations.
• Follow company purchasing policies, procedures, and applicable requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills with good attention to detail
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize and multitask, managing multiple purchasing needs at once
• Strong communication and ability to work effectively across departments, including Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Warehouse, to understand and support purchasing needs.
• Strong follow-up skills with a sense of urgency

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain, Finance, Procurement, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant purchasing or procurement experience, preferably within manufacturing, food processing, or a production environment.
• Experience sourcing suppliers, obtaining and comparing quotes, and negotiating pricing and purchasing terms.
• Good understanding of purchasing and inventory practices.
• Experience purchasing raw materials, packaging, machinery, equipment, spare parts, maintenance supplies, or similar items preferred.
• Ability to understand product specifications and purchasing requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with ERP, purchasing, or inventory management systems preferred.

What we offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits (Medical, Vision and Dental)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• 401(K) with Employer Match
• Additional Voluntary Benefits