Purchasing Agent

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers - large and small - package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

People * Customers * Trust

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for the purchase of materials, equipment, supplies, and services at the lowest cost possible consistent with quality and service requirements to ensure continuing operation of the Mill. This may include reviewing and processing requisitions, detailing specifications, obtaining quotations, conducting analysis of proposals and negotiations, monitoring vendor quality, maintaining knowledge of vendor capabilities, and determining appropriate inventories.

The Purchasing Agent reviews current processes and recommends improvement programs. The Purchasing Agent is expected to manage multiple projects and tasks at the same time, exercise judgment in prioritizing projects and managing the department's resources for the maximum return.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Responsible for quotation and bid requests and analysis, selection of primary and secondary vendors, purchase commitments, issuing purchase orders, writing contracts, and expediting the timely receipt of materials, equipment, and services to sustain the normal operation of the mill.
• Become familiar with specific markets and work with various departments and vendors to obtain optimum value.
• Develop and implement blanket purchase orders and contracts,
• Monitor vendor performance and conduct annual vendor reviews and ensure they are continually improving to meet PCA's quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Act as a liaison to solve problems, facilitate communication, and negotiate strategic supply/service agreements to help reduce supplier base.
• Supervise purchasing functions in absence of manager and be available for emergency calls.
• Coordinate with accounts payable to ensure accurate and timely payment of vendor invoices.
• Assist mill customers with keeping material inventory at optimum levels.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of ISO 9002 principles.
• Knowledge of applicable purchasing law.
• Ability to achieve consistent, documented cost savings/reductions.
• Implement and support corporate supply/service agreements to ensure optimal participation to the mill.

• Know and follow policies and procedures of the company, share information that would benefit other members of the team and find ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.
• Strive to continually strengthen PCA's business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectations for customers specifically supporting PCA's Commitment to Service which involves doing what's right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make.

Position Requirements:

• Education equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Business or Procurement experience required.
• Strong project management experience with the ability to assess business needs and make solid recommendations regarding timelines, suppliers, contractors, and costs.
• Excellent negotiation skills in supplier sourcing, vendor analysis, and program evaluation.
• Solid working knowledge of computer systems including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proven ability to learn AS 400 and purchasing software.
• Strong listening, evaluating, and problem-solving skills. Ability to create alternative solutions and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple projects and/or requests concurrently.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle numerous details, deadlines, and requests.
• Must be able to travel as necessary and possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
• Five (5) years' previous work experience in an industrial and/or manufacturing environment, preferably in the purchasing department.
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM) required.

All qualified applicants must apply at Careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.

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