Purchasing Agent

e&e is seeking a Purchasing Agent for a hybrid contract opportunity in Phoenix, AZ.

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented, and proactive Purchasing Agent to support procurement operations within a manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for managing purchasing activities involving capital expenditures, Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) materials, and contracted services. The Purchasing Agent will prepare, review, issue, and track purchase orders while ensuring timely delivery of materials and services to support operational needs.

The ideal candidate will have 4–7 years of procurement experience, with a strong background in MRO purchasing, service contracting, supplier negotiations, and vendor management. Manufacturing industry experience is strongly preferred. This role requires excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to independently manage purchasing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the procurement process for capital equipment, MRO materials, and contracted services, including purchase order preparation, issuance, tracking, and follow-up.
• Solicit and evaluate supplier quotations, negotiate pricing and contract terms, and ensure cost-effective purchasing decisions.
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, production teams, engineering, and facilities management to ensure timely delivery of materials and services.
• Proactively monitor purchase orders, confirm anticipated delivery dates, expedite critical materials, and resolve overdue deliveries.
• Identify, evaluate, and select qualified suppliers and contractors based on pricing, quality, reliability, and overall performance.
• Implement appropriate supplier and contractor risk mitigation practices to minimize liability associated with contractor accidents, scope changes, and incomplete contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and document clear scopes of work for contracted services.
• Serve as a liaison between contractors and internal departments to coordinate service schedules, project requirements, and successful completion of contracted work.
• Provide accurate material cost estimates, pricing information, and delivery timelines for MRO purchasing requirements.
• Respond to internal customer inquiries regarding purchase order status, urgent material needs, and expedited procurement requests.
• Support the Purchasing Manager with special projects, inventory-related purchases, and procurement planning initiatives.
• Partner with department managers to identify upcoming purchasing needs and ensure materials and services are available when required.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies related to purchase orders, receiving documentation, and supplier invoices.
• Prepare for and participate in facilities management meetings to provide procurement updates and address purchasing priorities.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier documentation, and procurement-related information.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency, supplier relationships, cost savings, and procurement processes.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable workplace safety requirements and company safety policies.
• Follow established ISO and AS9100 Quality Management System requirements and procedures.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with internal departments to support organizational goals and operational efficiency.
• Perform additional purchasing and administrative duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Project Management, Logistics, or a technical discipline is required.
• 4–7 years of procurement experience, with a strong background in MRO purchasing and contracting for services.
• Demonstrated purchasing knowledge, including supplier sourcing, quotation analysis, purchase order management, and contract negotiations.
• Experience managing procurement activities involving maintenance materials, repair parts, operational supplies, and contracted services.
• Strong understanding of purchasing processes, supplier negotiations, vendor performance evaluation, and cost management.
• Ability to coordinate with suppliers and internal departments to manage delivery schedules and resolve procurement issues.
• Understanding of supplier risk management, contractor requirements, and scope-of-work documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, as well as Microsoft Teams.
• Strong mathematical aptitude with the ability to perform purchasing calculations, analyze pricing, and evaluate cost estimates.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work fully on-site and travel domestically up to 10% of the time.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Decision-Making and Prioritization: Ability to establish priorities and make effective, independent decisions in a dynamic work environment.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Organization and Multitasking: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks, purchasing requests, and deadlines effectively.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve organizational goals.
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking: Action-oriented approach with strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Adaptability and Learning: Ability to quickly understand, interpret, and apply new job-related information of varying complexity.
• Negotiation: Effective negotiation skills with the ability to secure competitive pricing, favorable contract terms, and reliable supplier commitments.
• Purchasing Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of procurement practices, supplier management, MRO purchasing, and service contracting.
• Technical Proficiency: Ability to effectively utilize ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Mathematical Aptitude: Strong numerical skills with attention to purchasing costs, pricing comparisons, and financial accuracy.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in reviewing purchase orders, contracts, supplier documentation, invoices, and procurement records.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous procurement or purchasing experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems.
• Experience with IFS ERP/MRP software is highly desirable.
• Experience with capital expenditure (CapEx) procurement and industrial MRO purchasing.
• Familiarity with contractor management, service agreements, and supplier risk mitigation practices.
• Experience resolving purchase order, receiving, and invoicing discrepancies.
• Knowledge of ISO and AS9100 Quality Management System standards and compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting procurement activities in a quality-controlled manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of inventory management, purchasing cost analysis, and supplier performance metrics.
• Professional purchasing or supply chain certification, such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

No C2C