Inventory Planning and Purchasing Buyer

Description

About UnCruise

At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortes, Costa Rica, and Galapagos. Every team member plays a role in bringing the adventure to life.

Job Summary

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for the timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services supporting vessel and shoreside operations. This role owns the full purchasing cycle from requisition review and vendor sourcing through delivery coordination and receipt verification. While procurement is the primary focus, this position also plays a direct role in expediting, logistics coordination, and physical movement of materials. The Purchasing Agent is expected to understand operational urgency, manage competing priorities, and ensure vessels receive what they need without delay. This is a high ownership, hands‑on position suited for someone who is equally comfortable negotiating with vendors, processing purchase orders, organizing shipments, and loading the van for a dockside delivery.

The role is based in Seattle, WA and reports to the Purchasing Operations Lead.

Essential Duties

Procurement & Vendor Management

Review, evaluate, and process vessel and shoreside requisitions daily

Source materials, equipment, and supplies in a cost‑effective and timely manner

Identify and compare vendors based on price, availability, quality, and service

Negotiate pricing and terms when appropriate

Make informed substitutions to meet operational deadlines

Ensure purchase orders are accurate, properly coded, and aligned with budget expectations

Maintain clear communication with vessel leadership and department managers regarding order status and alternatives

Support accurate inventory tracking and transaction history within the ERP system

Assist in developing and maintaining preferred vendor relationships

Expediting & Logistics Coordination

Coordinate shipping methods including freight, air, ground, and barge transport

Track shipments to ensure on‑time arrival to vessels and shipyard

Prioritize urgent or operationally critical items and adjust workflow accordingly

Pick up will call orders when necessary to prevent delays

Deliver materials to vessels, warehouses, freight terminals, and airports as needed

Receive and verify incoming shipments against purchase orders

Assist with organization and staging of materials within warehouse spaces

Load and unload supplies and parts for vessel delivery

Requirements

Qualifications

Must be highly organized and flexible with changing priorities.

Familiarity with hardware, tools, and some vessel systems preferred.

Must have access to smartphone capabilities.

Proficient user of computer systems, with the ability to utilize MS software applications in a Windows environment.

Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is preferred, but not required.

Excellent written English language skills with the ability to prepare professional documents and reports in a timely manner.

Ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times and the ability to use necessary levels of tact and courtesy when interacting with co‑workers and vendors.

Licenses, Certificates, Registrations

Valid WA state driver’s license

Physical Demands

This role combines office based purchasing work with regular hands on operational support. In addition to computer and administrative responsibilities, the position requires frequent physical activity including bending, climbing, repetitive motion, and lifting or moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds or more. The Purchasing Agent is expected to independently handle incoming shipments, transport supplies, and assist with loading and unloading as needed to support vessel operations.

Work Schedule

The Purchasing Agent works at least 8 hours per day 5 days a week with some required seasonal and on-call weekends.

Pay and Employee Benefits

Pay – $29.80 – $34.69 per hour, depending on experience

Cruise Benefit – Explore the world as our guests do: employees receive one complimentary cruise for two people every year, after each year of employment.

Health and Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and flexible spending account options.

401k – Eligible after 6 months of employment with employer matching.

Time off – Enjoy ten (10) company-paid holidays annually. Earn paid vacation and sick time throughout the year, and qualify for more vacation days as you gain tenure.

Eco-Commute – Earn $10/day when you commute to work without the use of a motorized personal vehicle. You can walk, bike, take the bus, or kayak.

Free Parking – Employees park for free at our Seattle office on days they commute by car.

#J-18808-Ljbffr