Purchasing Agent

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Purchasing Agent

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Purchasing / Supply Chain

Company: Pacific Electric Switchgear

Reports To: General Plant Manager

Location: Corona, CA – May support multiple facilities

(approximately 5 miles apart)

General Summary:

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for managing purchasing and material planning activities to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, components, and services that support Pacific Electric Switchgear's manufacturing operations. This role independently evaluates material requirements, supplier performance, pricing, lead times, and inventory needs to support production schedules and business objectives. The Purchasing Agent manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and delivery terms, monitors material availability, and proactively addresses supply risks to ensure continuity of operations. Working cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Inventory, Quality, and suppliers, this position exercises sound judgment and decision-making to support procurement strategies, material planning, and overall supply chain performance.

Essential Functions:

• Manages purchasing activities and procurement execution to support production schedules, material requirements, inventory objectives, and operational needs
• Leads supplier communications and negotiates pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and purchasing terms to support cost-effective procurement and supplier performance
• Manages open purchase orders and material commitments, proactively monitoring order status, identifying supply risks, and ensuring material availability aligns with production requirements
• Evaluates supplier performance, delivery reliability, and responsiveness, working with vendors to resolve issues and improve service, quality, and delivery performance
• Analyzes material shortages, supply constraints, and procurement risks and develops solutions to minimize operational disruptions and maintain continuity of supply
• Coordinates with Inventory and Warehouse teams to align purchasing activities with inventory levels, material requirements, incoming shipments, and ERP data accuracy
• Utilizes Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems to support purchasing decisions, inventory alignment, forecasting activities, and production schedules
• Reviews and validates purchase requirements, specifications, quantities, sourcing options, and supplier selections prior to order placement
• Collaborates with Production, Engineering, Inventory, Quality, and other departments to support material flow, project requirements, and operational objectives
• Supports vendor management activities, including vendor setup, supplier performance monitoring, pricing updates, return material authorizations (RMAs), and procurement documentation
• Maintains accurate purchasing records, supplier information, procurement reports, and ERP system data to support operational and business requirements
• Prepares and analyzes purchasing data, supplier performance metrics, inventory information, and operational reports to support decision-making, continuous improvement, and supply chain performance

REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Procurement Management and Purchasing Execution , managing purchasing activities, supplier relationships, and material procurement to support production schedules, inventory requirements, and operational objectives
• Supplier Management, Communication, and Negotiation , leading vendor interactions and negotiating pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and purchasing terms to optimize cost, service, and supplier performance
• Material Planning, MRP Utilization, and Inventory Alignment , utilizing Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems to support purchasing decisions, inventory levels, forecasting activities, and production requirements
• Supply Risk Analysis and Problem Resolution , identifying material shortages, supplier concerns, delivery risks, and procurement issues while developing effective solutions to minimize operational impact
• Purchasing Analysis and Decision Making , evaluating purchasing requirements, supplier options, pricing, lead times, and sourcing alternatives to support informed procurement decisions
• ERP System Utilization and Data Management , maintaining accurate purchasing records, supplier information, procurement reports, and material data within ERP systems such as SAP
• Cross-Functional Collaboration , working effectively with Production, Engineering, Inventory, Quality, Warehouse, and other departments to support material flow and operational objectives
• Organization, Attention to Detail, and Prioritization , managing multiple suppliers, purchase orders, material requirements, and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and accountability
• Continuous Improvement and Operational Efficiency , identifying opportunities to improve purchasing processes, supplier performance, material availability, and overall supply chain effectiveness
• Microsoft Office and Business Systems Proficiency , utilizing Excel, Outlook, ERP systems, and reporting tools to support procurement analysis, communication, and operational reporting
• Language and Communication Skills , ability to read, write, and speak English is required; bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred

Professional Experience/Education/Certifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement, or a related field required
• 3–5 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or material planning experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• 3–5 years of experience managing supplier relationships, including pricing negotiations, lead time management, delivery performance, and procurement coordination
• 3–5 years of experience utilizing ERP systems and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems to support purchasing activities, inventory alignment, and material planning (SAP preferred)
• 3–5 years of experience analyzing purchasing data, supplier performance, inventory requirements, and material availability to support operational decision-making
• Experience supporting low-voltage switchgear, medium-voltage switchgear, electrical equipment manufacturing, or other industrial manufacturing environments preferred

Additional Eligibility Qualifications :

None required for this position.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work :

Full-time, exempt position. Typical business hours with additional time as needed to meet operational demands.

Work Environment :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position operates primarily in an office environment and may occasionally support operations at nearby company facilities. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, calculators, and photocopiers.

Other Duties :

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of position duties, responsibilities, or functions that are required of the employee for this position. The role, responsibilities, duties, and activities described within the job description may change at any time with or without notice.

Physical Demands :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use a computer or other office equipment. The employee may occasionally walk throughout office and production areas to collaborate with employees and support operational activities. The employee must be able to communicate effectively and maintain visual and hearing acuity sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Requirements

Working conditions and

Physical Requirements

Level of Physical Effort Normally Required for This Position

Never

<20% Occasionally

20 – 80%

Frequently

>80%

Constantly

1. Close Eye Work (computers, drawing, typing, reading, writing)

1. Sedentary (continuous sitting)

1. Light Work (standing, walking, lifting <15 pounds)

1. Moderate Work (lifting, moving, loading 15-30 pounds, prolonged use of small hand tools, climbing ladders)

1. Moderately Heavy Work (lifting, moving, loading 31-50 pounds)

1. Heavy/Hard Work (above average strength and stamina, lifting >51 pounds, constant shoveling, etc.)