Purchasing Agent

Job Details Job Location: Memphis, TN 38133 Founded in 1983, Kele Inc. is a leading distribution, and solutions partner with national reach and a global presence. Built around our customers and powered by our people, Kele provides millions of in-stock parts from more than 300 brands to drive automation & efficiency in nearly every type of facility, from office towers and factories to data centers and hospitals. Our goal is to empower progress for maintenance managers, engineers, contractors, and all those building the future. We do this by delivering parts rapidly, providing custom assemblies upstream, and offering unmatched support to ensure projects run smoothly and downtime is minimized. With 12 locations nationwide and headquarters in Tennessee, Kele combines deep technical expertise, rapid logistics, and a solutions-first mindset to help customers simplify supply chains, meet tight schedules, and deliver high-quality outcomes. Kele fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and customer obsession, empowering associates at every level to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful impact. SUMMARY The Purchasing Agent is responsible for executing procurement activity in support of Kele’s purchasing operations, ensuring accurate and timely purchase order management across assigned suppliers and product categories. The position coordinates with internal teams and suppliers to sustain inventory availability, resolve supply issues, and support service level performance. The Purchasing Agent operates within established purchasing parameters and plays a key role in cross-functional communication across the supply chain. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Purchase Order Management Generate, release, and manage purchase orders in response to system-generated demand signals and internal procurement requests, ensuring all order details are accurate and consistent with established purchasing parameters. Monitor open purchase order status, manage expected receipt dates against required delivery dates, and elevate delivery risks to the Purchasing Supervisor as needed. Coordinate with internal teams to resolve order discrepancies, including pricing variances, quantity inconsistencies, and shipment issues, working with suppliers to reach timely resolution. Manage post-order financial follow-up, including pre-payment coordination with accounting, invoice follow-up on shipped but unbilled orders, and resolution of invoice discrepancies escalated by accounting. Stockout Monitoring & Reporting Review purchasing signals and open stockout reports daily, taking timely procurement action and initiating supplier outreach to minimize and resolve critical shortages. Maintain accurate records of stockout status, supplier delivery commitments, and expected resolution dates, escalating high-priority situations to the Purchasing Supervisor with full supply context. Identify recurring stockout trends and present root cause findings and recommend corrective actions to the Purchasing Supervisor. Supplier Communication Engage suppliers to obtain delivery updates, pricing confirmations, and order status information, ensuring purchase order records remain accurate and current. Proactively communicate supplier issues including lead time changes, product obsolescence, and pricing variances to internal stakeholders. Respond to internal inquiries regarding delivery status, order status, pricing, and cancellation requests in a timely and complete manner. Cross-Functional Coordination Collaborate with Sales, Inventory, and Operations teams to evaluate demand signals, support purchasing decisions, and ensure procurement activity aligns with customer commitments. Communicate delivery updates, supply constraints, and order status changes to internal stakeholders to support informed decision-making. Participate in team meetings and contribute to company initiatives and special projects as assigned. Preferred Qualifications Education Associate’s degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent work experience will be considered. Knowledge & Skills Working knowledge of purchase order management, inventory replenishment, and supplier communication practices. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP reporting tools with the ability to manage and interpret purchasing data. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple open orders and competing priorities simultaneously. Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams and external suppliers. Experience 2 or more years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain operations, or a related field. Experience working within a distribution, wholesale, or manufacturing environment preferred. Prior experience with ERP systems required; familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics GP or Infor a plus. Kele Companies offers all full-time associates the following benefits and perks: Medical, vision, and dental insurance HSA FSA (medical and dependent care) 401(k) with employer match up to 4% with immediate vesting Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental life for employees and dependents available Paid time off and paid holidays Tuition reimbursement #J-18808-Ljbffr