Purchasing Agent

Job Description

Job Description

Purchasing Agents manage commodity purchasing to support production needs across Peterson Farms Inc and its family of companies.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Evaluating suppliers by considering price, quality, availability and other criteria
• Interviewing vendors and visiting suppliers’ facilities to learn about products, services and pricing
• Negotiating contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain the best deals on behalf of the company
• Verifying purchases by comparing them to a primary list and recommending alternatives for expensive or irrelevant products
• Interacting with suppliers to schedule delivery times and resolve shipping errors
• Authorizing payments and maintaining receipts, records and inventories
• Maintain and review computerized or manual records of items purchased, costs, delivery, product performance, and inventories. 
• Review catalogs, industry periodicals, directories, trade journals, and internet sites, and consult with other department personnel to locate necessary goods and services. 
• Study sales records and inventory levels of current stock to develop strategic purchasing programs that facilitate employee access to supplies. 
• Assist with vendors and visit suppliers' plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services and prices. 
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education 

• Associate’s degree in business or B.S. in Business preferred.
• Or equivalent work experience.

Work Experience 

• 2-4 years purchasing experience. 
• Experience in a manufacturing environment. 
• Experience in purchasing MRO, Equipment and services. 
• Relevant experience working in the food processing industry (preferred). 

Skills and Knowledge 

• Proficient using PC, via keyboard/mouse, and various software applications (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite and Kronos).
• Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity and privacy of confidential information.
• Ability to work well under pressure and quickly assess and respond appropriately to questions.
• Ability to adapt to change and learn quickly.
• Good organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work as a contributing member within the team.

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS

As part of a team-based work environment, must be able to demonstrate the following Job Competencies:

Job Competencies

• Team Orientation – Shows skill and ease at working in groups; works with others to achieve better results and forges close working relationships and alliances to get things done; is quick to cooperate versus expect others to bend to his/her wishes; supports joint ownership and shared recognition for results; recognizes advantages of group participation in planning and problem solving.
• Attention to Detail – Committed to exactness and precision in task completion; identifies, pays attention to, and works to understand details; thorough and consistent in following up at detail level; seeks to become expert in disciplines related to adopted career path to ensure quality and precision in work; takes pride in knowledge base and level of expertise.
• Takes Personal Responsibility in Individual Contributor Role – Demonstrates attitude and commitment to take personal responsibility for results, even when in team environment with no authority over others; will step up to fill gaps so results can be assured; avoids excuses as explanations or defending/justifying negative but preventable outcomes.
• Practical Intelligence – Absorbs new information quickly and is comfortable dealing with abstract concepts and relationships; relates new information to previously acquired knowledge to expand and refine frame of reference; enjoys learning and expanding breadth and depth of understanding on variety of subjects.
• Reliability/Dependability – Responds to internal customer needs, questions, and concerns in accurate and timely manner. Follows through on commitments, assignments, and tasks; is at work when scheduled; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses work time wisely.
• Respects Diversity – Respects the Company’s diverse workforce and behaves in a manner that does not cause harm to others based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religious believes.
• Adaptability – Has ability to focus on the benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive, objective manner, views change as learning opportunity; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Positive Working Relationships – Listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; shares information and knowledge; demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty.
• Focus – Maintains focus on tasks and does not stray from job assignments.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Noise level in work environment is moderate; Standard office setting.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and results.