Purchasing Agent

Purchasing Agent

Century Main Office - Hickory, NC 28601

Overview

Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day

Description

Position Summary

The Purchasing Agent plays an important role in supporting Century Furniture's manufacturing operations by ensuring materials and products are sourced at the appropriate supplier, at the best cost and available when needed. This position manages purchasing activities for assigned products, categories, and projects while partnering closely with Production, Inventory, Engineering, Product Development, and suppliers.

The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage relationships with suppliers.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities for assigned materials, products, categories, and projects.
• Cross functional meetings with Production, Engineering, Product Development, and Sales to understand product requirements and specifications.
• Request, review, and evaluate supplier quotations for new and existing products and materials.
• Work with suppliers to obtain competitive pricing, appropriate lead times, and reliable delivery.
• Issue, maintain, and update purchase orders and contracts to support production and business needs.
• Monitor open purchase orders and proactively follow up with suppliers to ensure materials arrive on schedule to avoid inventory gaps.
• Expedite orders when necessary and communicate potential delays or supply concerns to internal teams.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Communicate specifications, quality expectations, schedules, and other requirements clearly to suppliers.
• Support supplier selection and development while helping identify opportunities for improved cost, quality, service, and delivery.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to resolve order, receiving, invoice, return, and supplier-related issues.
• Process and resolve supplier chargebacks and purchasing discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Support cost-control efforts by monitoring pricing, managing changes, and identifying potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of supplier quotations, purchasing decisions, projects, pricing, and purchase orders.
• Provide internal teams with timely updates regarding supplier performance, projects, materials, and purchase order status.
• Train and assist suppliers with the proper use of CenturySupplierNet.com.
• Follow and communicate Century Furniture purchasing policies and procedures.
• Maintain awareness of global supply chain conditions and their potential impact on cost, availability, and lead times.
• Conduct all supplier relationships and purchasing activities professionally, ethically, and with a high degree of integrity and confidentiality.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a schedule-driven environment with a strong sense of urgency.

Qualifications

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Operations, or a related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of six years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Furniture or manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Experience working with domestic and international suppliers preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings in electronic or hard-copy format.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, email, and web-based business applications.
• Experience with SAP or another ERP/purchasing system is a plus.
• APICS, Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), or other relevant procurement/supply chain certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands and work environment expectations described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and performing repetitive tasks, including computer and telephone use.
• Ability to work in and around manufacturing environments where elevated noise levels may be present.
• Frequently lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.