Purchasing Agent

Purchasing AgentHighway Machine Co. is looking for a detail-oriented and dependable Purchasing Agent to join our Princeton, Indiana team. This position supports our manufacturing operations by purchasing raw materials, components, supplies, and outside services needed to keep production moving.You'll work closely with the Purchasing Manager, production, inventory, quality, engineering, and other departments to ensure materials and services are available when needed, meet quality requirements, and are purchased at competitive costs. This is an opportunity to work in a stable manufacturing environment where organization, communication, follow-through, and attention to detail are important.Why Join HMC?HMC is a family-owned company that has been in business since 1921. For more than 100 years, we have built our reputation on precision manufacturing, quality workmanship, and strong customer relationships. We are a stable employer that values our employees and provides opportunities to build a long-term career.At HMC, you'll be part of a custom manufacturing environment where products and customer requirements can vary from project to project. You'll work with experienced employees across purchasing, production, engineering, inventory, and quality to help keep materials and services moving through the operation.What you'll do:Assist the Purchasing Manager with sourcing and purchasing materials, components, supplies, and outside servicesRequest and evaluate supplier pricing, availability, lead times, and other purchasing informationIssue purchase orders and maintain accurate purchasing information in the company's ERP/MRP systemMonitor open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to support on-time deliveryCommunicate with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, order status, and delivery requirementsMaintain positive and professional relationships with suppliers and vendorsAssist with evaluating supplier performance and identifying potential purchasing or supply issuesWork with the Quality Department and suppliers to address material non-conformance and quality concernsWork with production, inventory, engineering, and other departments to understand material and purchasing requirementsReview purchasing requirements and help identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve lead times, and increase efficiencyMaintain accurate purchasing records, documentation, and supplier informationSupport inventory and material planning activities as neededAssist with continuous improvement efforts related to purchasing and supply chain processesFollow company purchasing procedures, quality requirements, and applicable policiesPerform other duties as assigned based on business needsWhat we're looking for:Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate recordsStrong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple prioritiesEffective communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to follow through on orders, deadlines, and supplier commitmentsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamAbility to make sound, ethical decisions and maintain confidentialityProficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft ExcelAbility and willingness to learn manufacturing processes, materials, and purchasing requirementsPreferred, but not required:Associate's degree or certification in Business, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, Logistics, or a related fieldBachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Logistics, or a related fieldPrevious purchasing, procurement, inventory, or supply chain experiencePurchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environmentExperience using ERP/MRP systemsExperience working with raw materials, industrial components, or outside processing servicesExperience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or vendor managementKnowledge of manufacturing processes and quality requirementsWork EnvironmentPrimarily an office environment with regular interaction with production, inventory, quality, engineering, and other departments. Occasional exposure to the manufacturing shop floor may be required to better understand materials, processes, and production requirements.Physical RequirementsAbility to sit and work at a computer for extended periodsAbility to stand and walk throughout the facility as neededAbility to occasionally bend, reach, and lift or carry materials weighing up to 25 lbs.Ability to safely enter and move through a manufacturing environment when requiredBenefits IncludePaid vacation and holidaysHealth and vision insuranceCompany-paid dental insuranceCompany-paid life and disability insuranceSIMPLE IRA retirement plan with company matchOptional wellness benefitsHMC is committed to building a long-term workforce and providing employees with the stability, resources, and opportunities they need to grow with the company.Must be authorized to work in the United States.This description of the essential functions and responsibilities of the position is a basic summary of the requirements. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.