As a distributor, purchasing and inventory management is central to our success. Our largest asset is our inventory, and our ability to ship with high service levels is key to our customer satisfaction. Our purchasing department plays a significant role in our business.
Job Summary:
- The Purchasing Agent will be assigned specific product lines and be responsible for effectively managing and replenishing these products.
General Responsibilities:
- Work effectively with the members of the purchasing team, and other department
- Process the daily workflow and schedules of the department.
- Ensures that your assigned product lines are meeting or exceeding Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
- Meet with and build effective relationships with our supplier’s key personnel
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Collaborates with other departments and leadership to ensure that the company’s inventory is sufficient to meet the service level expectations and requirements of our customers.
- Manage the inventory setup and replenishment process of your assigned products.
- Manage key product lines including all aspects of cost, product database, restocking controls, profitability, and return on investment on inventory.
- Place purchase orders to replenish stock lines and to procure nonstock items
- Ensures that the inventory and product database is current, accurate, and complete.
- Evaluate alternative products and sources of supply to ensure we have the most competitive costs, terms, and service packages
- Negotiates unit costs, rebates, and terms and conditions with company suppliers.
- Resolves disputes, returns, issues that may arise with suppliers.
- Maintain purchasing and recordkeeping systems.
- Acts as the company’s representative in negotiations with suppliers.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven negotiation skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to build personal relationships with key suppliers.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
- Understanding of business and management principles.
- Thorough understanding and expertise in the company’s ERP system, specifically the inventory and purchasing modules.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
- At least three years of experience in purchasing, preferably in hard goods distribution (MRO, electrical, PT, industrial, safety, construction products)
- Strong product knowledge, and experience in the industrial / construction channel
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
- Must be able to access all areas of the facility to determine needs.
- May require limited travel to corporate office, vendor meetings, industry events.
