Purchasing Agent

Description Purchasing Agents are responsible for sourcing and procuring materials, components, and supplies necessary to support manufacturing operations. This position manages supplier relationships, evaluates pricing and supplier performance, monitors inventory requirements and material availability, and works cross-functionally to resolve supply, quality, delivery, and cost issues. Purchasing Agents use purchasing data, forecasts, supplier information, and business requirements to make purchasing recommendations and decisions that support production needs, inventory objectives, quality requirements, and company goals. Responsibilities Assess and manage supply chain risks, including supplier capacity, lead times, availability, and continuity of supply Build and maintain long‑term, collaborative relationships with preferred suppliers Source and procure raw materials, components, customized items, and supplies in accordance with company requirements Solicit and evaluate supplier quotes, pricing, lead times, delivery terms and other commercial terms within established authority Evaluate supplier performance based on cost, quality, delivery, service, capacity and other business requirements Identify and evaluate qualified suppliers for new, specialized and difficult‑to‑source items Evaluate cost‑savings opportunities, develop recommendations, and presents findings to management Evaluate forecasts, demand, lead times, usage and inventory data to maintain desired inventory levels Prepare, issue, modify, and maintain purchase orders for timely delivery Execute inventory replenishment requests Monitor open purchase orders and proactively address past‑due shortage, and maintain factory shortage report Maintain and communicate factory shortage information Work with Quality, Engineering, Production, and other teams to resolve material and supplier issues Assist in the investigation of non‑conforming materials and take corrective action Assist in the reconciliation of receiving/invoicing/billing discrepancies Coordinate the return of non‑conforming material Maintain procurement records, including ERP/MRP data and notations Ensure purchasing activities comply with applicable company policies, contractual requirements, quality requirements, and established purchasing procedures Other purchasing and supply‑chain duties as assigned Requirements Skills Working knowledge of purchasing, sourcing, supplier management, inventory control and material planning principles Proficiency with ERP/MRP system software and inventory management systems Ability to read and understand engineering drawings, specifications, bill of material, budgets and applicable contract language Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to analyze inventory, demand, cost, supplier and purchasing data Ability to review purchasing, inventory, supplier and material status reports and identify discrepancies or issues Ability to obtain and compare supplier pricing and communicate effectively with suppliers Strong negotiation and supplier relationship‑management skills Strong communication skills both verbally and in writing; technical writing a plus Ability to work professionally in a team environment and with other departmental teams Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and changing material requirements Must be able to work independently with minimal direction and oversight High proficiency in Microsoft Excel High ethical standards High attention to detail Qualifications Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible purchasing or procurement experience in an ERP/MRP environment required; electronics or technical industry strongly preferred Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or related field preferred Experience in motion control industrial purchasing preferred Professional purchasing/procurement certification is a plus Job Detail Full‑time, salary‑exempt position with full benefits Salary DOE Onsite position Monday through Friday 7:00AM-3:30PM Essential Functions Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required Sitting for long periods of time Ability to perform computer‑based work and other office functions for extended periods. Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 10 pounds Ability to access the manufacturing floor and/or stockroom as needed Company Benefits Health insurance - 100% employee premium coverage with low deductible! Dental insurance Vision insurance Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, select holidays) 401(k) 401(k) matching Long Term Disability insurance Our company makes reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to perform a job unless such accommodations would impose an undue business hardship. Please let us know if you need an accommodation to participate in the application process. We can be reached by telephone at View phone number on click.appcast.io, by fax at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or email at View email address on click.appcast.io . Please address correspondence to the HR Manager. Encoder Products Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. #J-18808-Ljbffr Encoder Products Company